GALAPAGOS: August 2011 (Part 4)

Striated (Lava) Heron

Blending well into their volcanic background, Lava Herons — recently re-lumped with the very different appearing Striated Heron — hunt for young Sally Lightfoot Crabs along the rocky shore.

Striated Herons are much more pale, are very streaked on breast and belly and prefer hunting in the mangroves and other vegetation-covered shorelines. Lava Herons stick to the rocks where their overall gray plumage hides them well.

Galapagos Penguins

Unmistakable, the Galapagos Penguin is the northernmost of the family as it is found on the Equator. Approximately 800 pair currently reside on several islands.

American Oystercatcher

American Oystercatchers also hunt along the shorelines having no particular preference of rocks or sand.

The island of Santiago last erupted only 110 years ago. The black ‘Pahoehoe’ lava (a Hawaiian word meaning ‘ropey’) covers the northeast section of the island along Sullivan Bay. The landscape offers many photographic opportunities!

The lava can be difficult to walk upon as it is very uneven. Many broken bits are a bit unstable and can cause great pain if fallen upon! Careful!

Watch for open lava tubes, too! The holes made for some fun photo-opps as well!