14 Nov 2012
Andean Goose (Chloephaga melanoptera)
The large Andean goose (Chloephaga melanoptera) is unmistakable and very conspicuous, and I saw several of them here at River Alota. A haven in the middle of…
14 Nov 2012
Andean Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus andinus)
The huge, dry Altiplano is not without water. Several springs feed lagoons and rivers - even in the deepest of the dry season. This is River Alota, shallow…
14 Nov 2012
Black-crowned Night Heron (Nycticorax nycticorax hoactli)
This shallow river is teaming with life and fish - in the middle of the desert. I wonder how the fish could end up here - are they remnants of the time when…
14 Nov 2012
Altiplano butterfly 01
One of very few butterflies I saw on the Altiplano. In the Amazon there's a lack of salt and they sometimes swarm aound sweat or urine stains in the landscape.…
4 Dec 2011
Fernandina lavaflow
Looks like cow manure or perhaps chocolate mousse? Galapagos-0.265538,-91.44659
4 Dec 2011
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…
4 Dec 2011
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…
4 Dec 2011
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…
4 Dec 2011
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…