Day 9
After a late night, we decided to take it (very) easy in the morning – breakfast and R&R on the deck savouring the view.
Joining us on the deck were a Darwin Finch and a Galapagos Dove….
Lunchtime today roasted suckling pig !
In the afternoon, we ventured out to the rocky terrain of Punta Suarez on Espanola Island for a 2 ¾ hour walk.
We were greeted by a Galapagos Hawk.
We watched Sea Lions play with each other and a protective mother keep others away from her pup and her pup from straying too far out in the water.
Sharing space with the Sea Lions on the island are hundreds of Marine Iguanas.
A Hood Mockingbird joined our group walk.
We had to watch where we stepped as tiny Hood Lava Lizards blended in with the rocks.
Higher up on the trail, we had our introduction to the Waved Albatross.
The Waved Albatross is the only albatross species the breeds in the tropics.( older chicks in this picture )
As we neared the cliff we saw an Albatross take flight.
We watched the hawks harass the gulls. The Galapagos Hawks are the only raptors that breed in the islands. They are the top predator.
Walking along the cliff, we were treated to viewing a number of nesting Nazca Boobies.
Up close and personal….
Here is Todd taking a picture of Curly, Larry and Moe ! They were so funny playing together.
And the picture from Todd’s camera!
The sound of the Sea Lion pups is captivating…..they tug at the heartstrings…..
Arriving back to our starting point, and a Galapagos Hawk bids us goodbye.
