Galapagos: North Seymour and Bartolome Islands
North Seymour Island was our first port of call in the Galapagos Islands, and it set a high standard for the rest – who wouldn’t love the blue footed boobies? Of course, as so often in nature, it was the male who displayed the colours. We observed the blue feet in action as part of the mating ritual. The male moves from one foot to the other, and when their beautiful blueness has attracted a female he uses his beak to give her the first twig to start a nest. Sort of like an engagement ring? One poor little chap was pounding away so much that he had worn a hollow in the sand with not a female in sight. My heart bled for him!
We also saw frigate birds with their massive, blown-out red chests (the male again) and some very chilled sea-lions. It was our first indication of just how close you could get to the birds and animals – they didn’t see humans as a threat at all. I hope that’s still true today after the massive increase in tourism in Galapagos.
I have fewer wildlife photos of Bartolomé Island – this was a snorkelling stop. However, we did get a sighting (I think from the boat) of Galapagos penguins, the only penguins that live north of the equator in the wild. And a rather less laid back sea-lion – this one looks very pleased with himself!
More islands to come next Thursday!
The Glasgow Gallivanter 
It must be so wonderful to be able to see a blue footed boobie dance in real life. I’m a fan of them too. It dates back to seeing one dancing on a nature programme. I got the impression that I’d have fallen for that if I’d been a lady boobie!
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Of course! It’s very charming.
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I have to agree — I like the blue-footed ones better, too. 🙂
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Yes, much more elegant to have matching beaks and feet!
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I have a fond memory of bartholome island ! So iconic ! The lava cactus are still there :p I find their shape quite funny
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😉
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Those blue feet look unreal, don’t they? Look like plastic flippers. Must be great for swimming though!
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They do! There are some red footed boobies coming up soon – I much prefer the blue.
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what a magical place! I visited (sailed through) there in 2013 and the animals are still as welcoming and open. None of my Blue Footed Booby pictures are as glorious as yours and that land shot is SPECTACULAR.
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Thank you! Good to know the animals have not been changed by all the tourists.
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Hope these beautiful and unique birds and animals won’t suffer from increasing tourism. Amazing photographs!
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Thanks! I hope so too.
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Fantastic photos. What an amazing experience.
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Thanks – it certainly was!
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Anabel, Oh how I love those blue-footed boobys….so darn amazing!
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Aren’t they just!
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Gorgeous! I feel happy and relaxed just from looking at your beautiful photos.
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Thank you! Glad to be of service.
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