Galapagos Genovesa
Genovesa, a small island in the north.
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We awake in the perfectly circular Darwins Bay, the remnant of the volcano. A frigate bird flies near the rim of the crater wall.
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We make landing at an access point on the rim wall and climb "Prince Phillip's Steps" to the top. Prince Phillip was an enthusiastic visitor to the islands. The response to his fall on this route was to install this stone and wood staircase.
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The terrain we encounter at the top.
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This somewhat awkward looking bird is the Red-footed Booby. They may look funny on land, but they are highly skilled divers.
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Unlike other Booby species, they nest in trees. Their webbed feet have claws to help them cling to branches.
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Nazca Boobies have neither red nor blue feet.
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They nest directly on the ground.
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Frigate birds soar overhead.
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A juvenile Red-footed Booby in its nest.
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Another juvenile showing his feet.
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Mockingbirds on this arrid island have learned that those large creatures that wander by often have fresh water. They approach and appeal for some.
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The elusive reclusive Short-eared Owl. It is camouflaged to blend in with the lava rocks.
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Prelude to mating: a Nazca Booby pair tap beaks and present each other with symbolic twigs (which they will NOT use for a nest, since she lays eggs directly on the ground).
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Galapagos Dove
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We arrived at this beach by panga (dinghy) in a "wet landing".
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The beach here is not sand, but it is "proto-sand", broken shards of ancient coral.
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Swallow-tailed gulls
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Sex on the beach.
