Today we started our day anchored in the middle of an extinct volcano. This old volcano rises out of the ocean, creating an incredible isolated habitat for several species of birds. This island holds the name of Genovesa. In the morning we landed on a white sandy beach to explore the extensive nesting grounds of the red-footed boobies. Several boobies were nesting on the red mangroves. Nearby some large cactus finches were eating the nectar of the yellow flowers of the Opuntia cacti. We spotted a few white red-footed boobies nesting and roosting on the greenery of the coralline area. Along the basaltic cliffs, in the shade, a few yellow-crowned night herons sought shelter from the equatorial heat.

Later in the morning we had the chance to get in the water for our last contact with the marine environment of the islands. The conditions were not easy, as the sea was choppy and the water visibility was less than 30 feet. In the water the story was different. We enjoyed the presence of a great diversity of reef fish including Moorish idols, parrot fish, king angel fish, damsel fish, and even a solitary scalloped hammerhead shark. It was a real adventure.

In the afternoon we visited a different location on the other end of the caldera, known as Prince Phillip’s Steps. This time our goal was to find the short-eared owl, the top predator on this island. During our walk, we noticed that the landscape was different from the previous one at the beach although the red-footed boobies had also claimed this place as their territory. But only the red-footed ones were nesting. Below the trees where the red-footed boobies nested, we saw Nazca boobies with their chicks. Finally, we spotted three short-eared owls (two females and one male). The sunset was incredible, allowing us to enjoy a perfect light for photography and a magical moment as we watched the nocturnal birds leave their roosting cliffs and get ready for their nightly feast out in the open ocean.

It was an incredible week, and an incredible experience that will help us see the world through different eyes.