As the Sea Bird anchored and launched her Zodiacs, we watched with the natural history staff as blue-footed boobies, brown boobies and great blue herons all fed and nurtured their young in various places around Los Islotes. Soon we boarded our Zodiacs and made our way to the lee side of the islet for closer views of birds and sea lions. As the boats pulled in close to the steep cliffs of this tiny island, we immediately had our first close encounters with young sea lions and their mothers. Several babies were nursing while comfortably lying on the small rock shelves of Los Islotes. Our inflatable crafts made their way along the island's edge and we encountered many Sally Lightfoot crabs dressed in multicolored armor. As we approached, they scattered nervously up into crevices and hidey-holes.
Then our drivers pointed out the many young birds and their parents safely set in the high places on the cliffs of Los Islotes. At least six baby blue-footed boobies with their parents were observed in rock overhangs and ledges. These chubby, white fuzzballs were a delight for all observers. Finally, a great blue heron and her two chicks were spotted, in a nest located in the middle of a large wild fig.
Los Islotes and its many inhabitants had given us a gift, a look at a very private world; a place that is part of the greater web of life.
