Children of the neelakurinji

Children of the neelakurinji

Barefoot, these kids are climbing a very special mountainside behind their Ooty village. For the first time in their lives the hill has become purple with…


Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) bloom of 2018

Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) bloom of 2018

Last time these flowers were seen was 12 years ago, and the next time will be in 12 years! During an entire century this species will bloom only 8 times – that…


Neelakurinji bloom in the Nilgiris

Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana) bloom of 2018

A spectacular view of the Neelakurinji bloom in the Nilgiris! Last time these flowers were seen was 12 years ago, and the next time will be in 12 years!…


Fernandina lavaflow

Fernandina lavaflow

Looks like cow manure or perhaps chocolate mousse? Galapagos-0.265538,-91.44659


Flightless Cormorant (Phalacrocorax harrisi)

Flightless Cormorant (Phalacrocorax harrisi)

The population of flightless Cormorant (Phalacrocorax harrisi) is limited to Fernandina and portions of Isabela, and is as a species vulnerable. It's an agile…


American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus)

American Oystercatcher (Haematopus palliatus galapagensis)

What a difference in behavior to the European Oystercatcher! The European Oystercatcher is extraordinarily vocal and territorial. Here the American…


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 Galápagos sea lion (Zalophus…


Marine Iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus)

Marine Iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus)

Marine iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) is yet another life form unique to the Galapagos. They look so prehistoric and alien, but when you observe them a bit…