Dark-breasted rosefinch (Procarduelis nipalensis)

Dark-breasted rosefinch (Procarduelis nipalensis)

Dark-breasted rosefinch (Procarduelis nipalensis) is a beautiful high-elevation dweller, seen here around the Tungnath temple during the full moon of April…


Himalayan Pika (Ochotona roylei)

Himalayan Pika (Ochotona roylei)

This little cutie was in full swing eating the delicious primula flowers and other species now in bloom, but I just missed it having a mountful of flowers.…


Himalayan Pika (Ochotona roylei)

Himalayan Pika (Ochotona roylei)

This little cutie was in full swing eating the delicious primula flowers and other species now in bloom, and here it had a very short break on an outcrop to…


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…