More Life on Santiago

We continue our visit on Santiago.  This blog entry is going to be more of a photo essay than a verbal post.  There is only so much I can say (without starting to sound like a textbook) about the islands and the astonishing life they support.   

In my last post I said that I welcome corrections and comments regarding the images and information I provide about the Galapagos inhabitants.  I reiterate that now because, I admit (with some embarrassment), that regardless of the photos I have, the expert guides, my notes, and research to support my notes... I'm not sure I have this info right. .....and on we go....

Great Blue Heron

The Great Blue Heron (above), because of his height, skinny legs  and loner ways, has come to represent strength and independence to some people.  Sighting an Egret like the one below, often carries the same meaning.

Egret

These birds stand about three feet tall and have a wing span of nearly six feet.  Given that I am barely five feet tall, to me they represent strength and possibly something that could scoop me up for a snack.   
Fortunately for me they eat small fish, crabs, and lizards.

As we make our way along the island, we have an inland view of San Pedro Volcano, one of the two that formed Santiago.

On the shore we see oystercatchers.

And a blue footed booby.   
 
There may be oyster catchers and egrets in other parts of the world, but they still impress me.  However, the boobies of the Galapagos continue to fascinate me, even after several days of island-hopping. 

 

This afternoon we visit Sombrero Chino off the coast of the southern tip of Santiago.  I am still fascinated by the many creatures that inhabit these islands, and cannot help but oooh and aaah when we come across a sea lion and her pup.

On this small island, the beautiful red coral on the beaches and in the landscape strike me almost as much as the wildlife.

 

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