GALAPAGOS 2010: Española (Part 2)

The sandy side of the island, specifically Gardner Bay, is home to many sea lions. They are considered an endemic subspecies of the California Sea Lion.

They offer many photo opportunities and often come to close to photographers. Curious and playful… but to near to focus on… people must be aware that they are still wild animals and should never try to touch them!

Sadly, we found this sea lion with a burlap sack wrapped around its neck, cutting deep into the thick skin. It tried in vain to remove it by scraping against the rocks. We contacted researchers in hopes that they would come to the rescue!

On the rocky side of the island we were surprised to find a couple of resting Galapagos Fur Seals. More like sea lions with movable hips and external ear flaps, these seals are more often found further north in the archipelago.

Sally Lightfoot Crabs are everywhere among the rocks! Bright orange and blue, they jump from rock to rock in a flash of color.

No color is more noticeable than the feet of the Blue-footed Booby. Comical in their courtship, they nest among the rocks right in the trail.

This male (identified by its small pupil) watched as we passed by its trail-side perch, but never moved more than its head.

The female booby protected its featherless chick from the sun in her dirt and guano nest right in the trail.

Nazca Boobies, named for the tectonic plate on which the archipelago rides, are plentiful on Española. Similar to the Masked Booby from which this species was only recently split, Nazca Boobies have colorless, gray feet, but an orange bill which contrasts nicely with the black and white plumage.

As we depart Española, Marine Iguanas spit salt from their nostrils in a farewell salute…