North Seymour and Rabida Island
Today was the beginning of a new adventure, beginning with a beautiful sunrise over the clouds on the horizon and a light wind from the southeast. As we boarded the Zodiacs we could see the numerous frigatebirds gliding over the island. North Seymour Island is one of my favorite places, with lots of seabirds, sea lions and land iguanas, all in one place. When we arrived it was a fantastic “reception committee;” every now and then these magnificent birds glided a few feet above us. Several males with their red pouches inflated were doing their courtship display nearby; as soon as a female flew above them they began to make sounds, trying to get these ladies’ attention.
The frigatebirds were not the only ones showing their courtship display; as we walked along the sandy area of the island it was the blue-footed boobies’ turn. In their case there was no red pouch to attract the females, just a whistle as one flew by. However, if any of the females stopped at such charming sounds, then it was the time for the male to start an elaborate dance, moving its feet and pointing to the sky as another whistle was made. Definitively these female seabirds have the necessary attention that they deserve before making any mate decisions.
Several lava lizards lounged on the rocks, some standing on four legs; probably they felt a little hot. The morning walk was not over yet, as on the way back to the landing area we found a male land iguana resting under a cactus; it was a really big male, with some reddish colors combined with a yellow coloration over most of its body. As expected, along the walk we saw several male frigatebirds with an inflated red pouch and the consequence of that: young chicks sitting in the nest. Now the males were either protecting them from the sun, or feeding them, an activity that is shared with the females. It’s expected that after all that display to get a female’s attention the time to be a responsible parent begins.
During the afternoon we had several activities, beginning with snorkeling in the waters around Rabida Island, where some of our guests had their first encounter with sharks. Their excitement was evident as soon as they started to get back in the Zodiacs. Others had the chance to see the marine wildlife from the glass-bottom boat.
After the water activities we returned back on board and got ready to land on the red beach of Rabida Island; upon arrival we were received by sea lions that started to literally “pose” for us, standing on their fore flippers and bending their necks backward. During the walk we saw a flamingo feeding in front of us, and several Darwin’s finches, but probably the most interesting animal was a Galápagos mockingbird that decided to inspect our feet. It walked among us, choosing shoes to check for something to eat. After some inspection and search it moved away. No ticks found after the inspection….! Good news for us.
