Galápagos 2015
These images were created during a trip to Ecuador during April, 2015. The main focus of the trip was the Galápagos Islands, but there was a brief visit to separate market towns south of Quito on the mainland before and after the Galápagos segment. The 15-day, 14-night Galápagos tour was hosted on the yacht Tip Top III and included visits to all the significant islands, including the outer ones. The outstanding tour leader was Tui De Roi, who grew up in the Galápagos and has spent decades photographing the islands, though she is now based in New Zealand. Her website is http://www.rovingtortoise.com/. Enrique Silva, the similarly excellent naturalist/guide for this tour, was knowledgeable and flexible throughout. The tour was capably organized by Galapagos Travel, whose website is http://www.galapagostravel.com
South Plaza Island, Galápagos. This land iguana has not yet had its fill of sea purslane blossoms.
South Plaza Island, Galápagos. A mating pair of swallow-tailed gulls.
South Plaza Island, Galápagos. A prickly pear cactus is silhouetted against the setting sun.
Post Office Bay, Floreana, Galápagos. A white vented storm petrel. The several species of storm petrels share a behavior of feeding from the surface while skipping just above, with feet touching the water for stability.
Post Office Bay, Floreana, Galápagos. White vented storm petrels, such as this one, have the unique behavior of using their feet and legs to create a vortex that gathers surface nutrients together for easier feeding.
Post Office Bay, Floreana, Galápagos. White vented storm petrels seem to dance across the surface or "walk on water." Some consider the name "petrel" to be a reference to biblical accounts of St. Peter walking on water.
Post Office Bay, Floreana Island, Galápagos. A great blue heron extends one wing for preening.
Punta Cormorant, Floreana Island, Galápagos. Flamingos frequent a brackish lagoon behind the beach.
Punta Suarez, Española Island, Galápagos. Waved albatross. With a wing span of 7 to 8 feet, these birds can fly for hours without stalling.
Punta Suarez, Española Island, Galápagos. Waved albatross often have difficulty taking off due to the challenge of beating their massive wings. One strategy to address this challenge is to launch off a cliff.
Punta Suarez, Española Island, Galápagos. A waved albatross.
Punta Suarez, Española Island, Galápagos. An Española marine iguana.
Punta Suarez, Española Island, Galápagos. A waved albatross.
Punta Suarez, Española Island, Galápagos. Courting waved albatross.
Punta Suarez, Española Island, Galápagos. An Española marine iguana. Marine iguanas become more colorful in the breeding season.
Punta Suarez, Española Island, Galápagos. A Nazca booby takes flight.
Punta Suarez, Española Island, Galápagos. A waved albatross harvests rain drops. Possibly, this bird is incubating an egg and unable to leave the nest. The harvested moisture could be an important substitute in this case.
Punta Suarez, Española Island, Galápagos. A waved albatross harvests rain water.
Punta Suarez, Española Island, Galápagos. A resting waved albatross.
Punta Suarez, Española Island, Galápagos. A pair of courting waved albatross. These birds have an elaborate courtship ritual.
Punta Suarez, Española Island, Galápagos. An Española marine iguana. Iguanas on this island are the most colorful in the Galapagos, earning them the nickname "Christmas Iguanas."
Punta Suarez, Española Island, Galápagos. An Espanola marine iguana.
Punta Suarez, Española Island, Galápagos. An Española marine iguana.
Gardner Bay, Española Island, Galápagos. A brown pelican glides above aqua-colored waters along the beach.
Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado, San Cristóbal Island, Galápagos. A male adult resident of the island's giant tortoise breeding center.
Cerro Brujo, San Cristóbal Island, Galápagos. A marine iguana.
North Seymour Island, Galápagos. A male magnificent frigate bird, with pouch inflated.
North Seymour Island, Galápagos. A female magnificent frigate bird and her chick.
North Seymour Island, Galápagos. A magnificent frigate bird prepares to take flight.
North Seymour Island, Galápagos. A young magnificent frigate bird.
North Seymour Island, Galápagos. A courting pair of blue-footed boobies.
Zumbahua, Ecuador. The weekly market is both an occasion for selling this pig and a social event for this well-dressed woman.
Zumbahua, Ecuador. The weekly market.
Zumbahua, Ecuador. Heading to the weekly market.
Zumbahua, Ecuador. Heading to the weekly market.
Zumbahua, Ecuador. After the weekly livestock market, a family enjoys lunch.