Isla Ildefonso
With a wingspan approaching seven feet and weighing just over eight pounds, the brown pelican is the largest commonly seen sea bird here in the Sea of Cortez. Early this morning all on board the National Geographic Sea Bird had the chance to view brown pelicans up-close and very personal with a stop at seldom-visited Isla Ildefonso.
Brown pelicans could be seen preening, bathing, and even plunge-diving for an early breakfast. Perhaps the very best treat was to see brown pelicans on their nests with downy-white chicks begging for food each time an adult would return with a bill full of fresh fish. Born featherless, these chicks have grown rapidly and are now almost ready for fledging. In addition to the pelicans, brown and blue-footed boobies, magnificent frigatebirds, and even red-billed tropicbirds wheeled and turned above us in the morning light. One could say quite literally that Isla Ildefonso was going to the birds!
After lunch we anchored in the protected waters of San Juanico on the Baja Peninsula itself. From here we took advantage of the opportunity to hike, kayak, and snorkel this lovely bay. The dichotomy of the warm Sonoran Desert meeting the cool Sea of Cortez makes for a perfect environment for us all to explore and discover the magic surrounding us here.
How to top off an incredible day? A beach barbeque dinner prepared by the galley, a brightly burning bonfire surrounded by newfound friends, and a musical concert provided by very talented singers and guitarists brought the day to a close. On the Zodiac ride back to the ship, bioluminescence colored the wake as stars shone like diamonds overhead. Just another magical day in the Baja Peninsula…
