Today National Geographic Quest arrived at the Bay of Panama and we explored the rockeries that sea birds uses as nesting sites, which are becoming one of the most important areas in the country for these species. We got to see some of the local sea birds species in our Zodiacs in what was a fine cruise around this formations of rocks. Blue-footed boobies were one of the highlights of the morning, showing the extraordinary features of their blue feet as an very curious aspect of their natural history. Brown pelicans were observed as well making nests from dry twits and branches. Brown boobies and magnificent frigates birds also were seen in numerous groups.
The seasonal upwelling benefits the entire bird communities since they all increase their feeding opportunities by this natural phenomenon in which the warm water is removed from the surface of the ocean, bringing up cold water and nutrients that enables the phytoplankton to grow and benefit the marine food chain.
After that we went in the afternoon to Isla Iguana Wildlife Refuge to enjoy one of the most beautiful island in the pacific of Panama in which we saw black tailed spiny lizard, and our guests went swimming and snorkeling around the coral reef that grows in front of the island.
After a good laid-back time on the island, we headed back to the vessel. Next we will be heading to Coiba National Park.
