South American Sea Lion (Otaria flavescens)

South American Sea Lion (Otaria flavescens)

Ballestas Islands off Paracas in Peru is one of very few protected areas of the Puruvian coast, and it's teaming with life. This group of sea lions seems to…


Planalto Woodcreeper (Dendrocolaptes platyrostris)

Planalto Woodcreeper (Dendrocolaptes platyrostris)

One of several species of woodcreepers seen in the garden of Hotel do Ype. Woodcreepers are hard to identify as they look very similar. This one is similar to…


Rufous Hornero (Furnarius rufus)

Rufous Hornero (Furnarius rufus)

As I was photographing plants I noticed the constant return of and foraging of this bird on the ground around me. Not at all nervous about me, and came very…


Caiophora chuquitensis

Caiophora chuquitensis

An incredibly spiny plant! There is not one part that is spineless, so I guess only insects are able to harm this plant! Altitude: 3671 metres. Native range…


Caiophora chuquitensis

Caiophora chuquitensis

An incredibly spiny plant! There is not one part that is spineless, so I guess only insects are able to harm this plant! Altitude: 3671 metres. Native range…


Cordilleran Canastero (Asthenes modesta)

Cordilleran Canastero (Asthenes modesta)

There are many small bird species here, and quite a number of them as well, so you'll constantly see and hear them. Thanks to Jim Moore for identification.…


Galápagos sea lion (Zalophus wollebaeki)

Galápagos sea lion (Zalophus wollebaeki)

The landing on Punta Espinoza is a wide open sandy beach amidst young lavarock, that looks like solidified manure. I saw many sea lion pups here, and this one…


Nasa grandiflora

Nasa grandiflora

A large and conspicuous flower on a rather hostile plant! It's tempting to touch the large flower, but doing so will most likely result in a painful sting like…


Nasa grandiflora

Nasa grandiflora

The stinging hairs of nasa grandiflora are not easily seen on the face of the leaf, but they are there! It's the dark ones. Native range is Colombia to Peru.…