Otoque & Bona; The Panama Canal
Early in the morning we began our Zodiac cruises around Otoque and Bona Islands. We had sailed a total of 200 nautical miles of rolling Pacific Ocean, to the rich water of the Gulf of Panama.
A break on the mountain chain that parallels the western coastline of several Central American nations allows the trade winds to blow over the Gulf, pushing productivity that forms the basis of a complex web life. Thousands of birds take advantage of this phenomenon and nest all through the islands of the Gulf of Panama. We got to see the magnificent frigate bird, the brown pelicans and brown boobies nesting up on the islands. Male frigate birds had already finished building their nests out, and were performing the mating display that distinguishes them worldwide: “the ballooning look”. The inflation of the red pouch by the males, advertises to the females that their nests are complete and it is time to start a family.
Seabirds are long-lived. They generally lay only one egg (which is not replaced if it lost), breed once a year (in some cases once every two years), and consequently have a lower reproductive output than lands bird. In turn land birds are comparatively shorter-lived but lay larger clutches of eggs more frequently.
Hiding up on the rocks, a Peregrine falcon was spotted. Knowing that this is a migratory raptor, we concluded that this falcon has turned this islet into his hunting ground during the North American winter time.
Once back on board we lifted anchor again and sailed the 22 nautical miles to the Panama Canal. While we waited for the Panama Canal Authority to provide the pilot for our transit through the canal (mandatory for all vessels), we had different lectures aboard.
Soon we arrived at our anchorage spot, having the modern city of Panama in the background.
Enjoying cocktails and a nice sunset, we went under the Bridge of the Americas and started our transit through the famous Panama Canal.
