Española Island
Today we visited the southern most island of the Galápagos archipelago. Española is a relatively small island; it is twenty three square miles. At first glance the island looks very dry due to the characteristic vegetation of the arid zone; plants at this time of year appear dead. In reality the plants are just dormant, waiting for the upcoming rainy season when they will turn green. Wildlife on this island is abundant and is very special as well. There are several species that are not only endemic to the Galápagos but they are endemic to the island. Along the walk in the morning we discovered little by little each one of them. Colorful Española marine iguanas, inquisitive Española mockingbirds, abundant Española lizards and the majestic waved albatross are the endemic species found on the island. The abundance of wildlife on this island is the product of the almost ideal conditions that the island presents. The island is surrounded by the nutrient rich waters of the Humboldt Current; therefore feeding grounds are located at a close range. The island is very flat and it has high cliffs providing very good landing sites for sea birds. The high cliffs are favored by constant winds as well. Our visitors were very delighted and amazed not only by the fact that animals do not show any fear but for the unusual fact that they could observe the animals’ behavior as well. Blue-footed boobies involved in their amusing mating dance were favorites of all. For long minutes we observed all the postures, sounds and details of the birds’ courtship.
After a wonderful Ecuadorian lunch we went in the afternoon to Gardner beach where we practiced diverse activities. Swimming, snorkeling, glass bottom boat outings, photography or just strolling along the beach were some popular activities. The large coralline beach found there is home for a large sea lion colony. The aquamarine colors of the water, the deep blue sky combined with the white sand produce a landscape that was described by one of our youngest guests this week as “sea lion heaven”.
Today we visited the southern most island of the Galápagos archipelago. Española is a relatively small island; it is twenty three square miles. At first glance the island looks very dry due to the characteristic vegetation of the arid zone; plants at this time of year appear dead. In reality the plants are just dormant, waiting for the upcoming rainy season when they will turn green. Wildlife on this island is abundant and is very special as well. There are several species that are not only endemic to the Galápagos but they are endemic to the island. Along the walk in the morning we discovered little by little each one of them. Colorful Española marine iguanas, inquisitive Española mockingbirds, abundant Española lizards and the majestic waved albatross are the endemic species found on the island. The abundance of wildlife on this island is the product of the almost ideal conditions that the island presents. The island is surrounded by the nutrient rich waters of the Humboldt Current; therefore feeding grounds are located at a close range. The island is very flat and it has high cliffs providing very good landing sites for sea birds. The high cliffs are favored by constant winds as well. Our visitors were very delighted and amazed not only by the fact that animals do not show any fear but for the unusual fact that they could observe the animals’ behavior as well. Blue-footed boobies involved in their amusing mating dance were favorites of all. For long minutes we observed all the postures, sounds and details of the birds’ courtship.
After a wonderful Ecuadorian lunch we went in the afternoon to Gardner beach where we practiced diverse activities. Swimming, snorkeling, glass bottom boat outings, photography or just strolling along the beach were some popular activities. The large coralline beach found there is home for a large sea lion colony. The aquamarine colors of the water, the deep blue sky combined with the white sand produce a landscape that was described by one of our youngest guests this week as “sea lion heaven”.
