Galapagos Islands Tour Nov 5th, 2016
November 06, 2016 at 4:38 AM
November 5th, 2016 - The northern isle of Genovesa
After a long night of sailing we have reached the island of Genovesa, a quick breakfast and we were on land by 7:30 a.m. Genovese is a birders paradise ... You are surrounded by thousands of flying and nesting birds as soon as you set foot on the island. We spent the morning exploring the short trail photographing the many beautiful birds including the Red Footed Booby. Genovesa is the only island in the Galapagos where you will find the Red Footed Booby so it is a great opportunity for our group of photographers to visit this location.
In the afternoon we climbed Prince Philip’s steps to reach the upper cliffs of the island to continue our exploring and photography of this amazing location. This afternoon we were in search of the short eared owl. The Galapagos short-eared owl has developed a unique hunting behaviour on Genovesa island, at a colony of storm petrels. The petrels nest deep in tunnels in the lava rock, usually out of reach of the owls. However the owls have learned to stalk nearby, watching the petrels as they enter and leave the tunnels. The owls then wait close by for the petrel to leave the tunnel and catch them unawares. Another technique they use is to hide in the entrance of the tunnel to grab a petrel as it flies in. We were very lucky today and were able to photograph one hunting and eating.
This evening we set sail over the equator to the volcano and island of Bartolome. Enjoy todays selection of photos.
Map showing our overnight sailing to Genovesa.
This is the beautiful Tropic Bird, it nests along the high coast lines.
The Red Footed Booby’s are busy building nests.
Such a beautiful bird, they are always on the move.
A mature booby has a bright blue beak and very distinctive red feet.
Dave and Mona lining up their shots. Every step is another photograph.
A juvenile Red Footed Booby checking us out as we walked by. They have no fear.
Carol stops to catch a photo of one of the islands residents, who looks like he slept in!
Another Red Footed Booby taking off from the mangroves, twig in beak to build a nest.
Taking flight.
A good look at their red feet.
Low flying, more twigs for nests.
Two juveniles sitting on a rock as we hiked past.
On the hunt.
A baby Frigate bird call for mom to bring breakfast.
Another Tropic Bird, beautiful long tails.
The distinctive red beak adds to their beauty.
A baby Galapagos gull.
Ray checking out booby as it crosses the trail.
Ken having a chat with one of the locals.
I’m ready for my close up!
A gull close up.
A juvenile Frigate bird warming up in the morning sun.
We had the island to ourselves.
Feeding time!
Photographing the antics of some very active sea lions.
This afternoon we climbed Prince Phillip’s steps to explore the upper cliffs.
Traffic cop, Stop or a long drop!
Galapagos dove.
Juvenile Red Footed Booby checking her reflection in my lens.
Another head shot.
Omar and Lorne taking a break.
Ground finch, check out the size of the beak.
Towards the end of our hike we finally found a short ear owl flying in over the coast.
And they it moves in for the kill.
We were able to move in for a few closer shots.
Posing in the evening light.
They are a small bird and sometimes hard to spot. Their colouring allows them to blend in perfectly with the lava rock.
Mike and Sheen talking to the animals ...
Time to head back to the ship, dinner and the long night sailing to Baltra.
Here’s a map showing our overnight sailing to Bartolome Island and Pinacle Rock.
That’s it for this evenings photos from Genovesa, more photos and stories tomorrow as we climb the 400 steps up the side of the volcano on Bartolome overlooking Pinicale Rock. Good night from all of us here in the Galapagos Islands.