Bahia Magdalena
We awoke this morning in the rolling Pacific Ocean and were approaching Magdalena Bay when some large blows were spotted. The ship was slowed and we enjoyed views of at least four blue whales, including one mother-calf pair. These largest of all animals were probably feeding on a current line, accompanied by various shearwaters and migrating phalaropes. As we approached La Entrada, a small group of common dolphins escorted us into the calm protected waters of the bay, and the ensuing feeding frenzy that was taking place. Many birds, including pelicans and gulls, were feasting on small fish and krill swarms. Plunging pelicans were robbed of part of their meal by Heerman's gulls that darted in quickly and plucked fish by their tails directly out of the pouch.
Our last afternoon of this voyage was spent exploring the beaches and dunes of sand dollar beach on Isla Magdalena. Many of us joined naturalist Steve Engel in learning about the many tracks in the sand and making plaster casts of them to take home. Highlights included coyotes, jackrabbits, and tiny mice tracks. Others spent time beach combing, walking on the miles of perfect beach, or merely just relaxing in the stunning scenery.
There is something magical about wild areas. Is it being overwhelmed by the noise of the waves, the vastness of this pristine area, the feeling of solitude we attain, or maybe a combination of all of these that make an area like sand dollar beach so special? Returning towards the ship – while wandering through the massive dunes with the sun setting behind us –was a perfect time to reflect on the amazing experiences we have had in these wilderness areas of Baja California.
We awoke this morning in the rolling Pacific Ocean and were approaching Magdalena Bay when some large blows were spotted. The ship was slowed and we enjoyed views of at least four blue whales, including one mother-calf pair. These largest of all animals were probably feeding on a current line, accompanied by various shearwaters and migrating phalaropes. As we approached La Entrada, a small group of common dolphins escorted us into the calm protected waters of the bay, and the ensuing feeding frenzy that was taking place. Many birds, including pelicans and gulls, were feasting on small fish and krill swarms. Plunging pelicans were robbed of part of their meal by Heerman's gulls that darted in quickly and plucked fish by their tails directly out of the pouch.
Our last afternoon of this voyage was spent exploring the beaches and dunes of sand dollar beach on Isla Magdalena. Many of us joined naturalist Steve Engel in learning about the many tracks in the sand and making plaster casts of them to take home. Highlights included coyotes, jackrabbits, and tiny mice tracks. Others spent time beach combing, walking on the miles of perfect beach, or merely just relaxing in the stunning scenery.
There is something magical about wild areas. Is it being overwhelmed by the noise of the waves, the vastness of this pristine area, the feeling of solitude we attain, or maybe a combination of all of these that make an area like sand dollar beach so special? Returning towards the ship – while wandering through the massive dunes with the sun setting behind us –was a perfect time to reflect on the amazing experiences we have had in these wilderness areas of Baja California.
