Santiago Island

We begin the day with a trip to Santiago Island, the fourth largest island in the Galapagos, for a  hike that leads us to Puerto Egas.  Two volcanoes formed the long stretch of lava that is Santiago’s shore, and the surrounding ocean waters have eroded the lava, creating nooks and crannies for many of the island’s residents.  None of those residents are human.  Santiago is one of the islands that is open to human visitors, but not human occupation.

As we’re walking, we encounter flamingos in a lagoon.  I have grown so accustomed to the unaccustomed, seeing a bird I recognize is momentarily surprising.  The flamingos probably came from the Caribbean, and now live on several of the Galapagos islands, in slightly salty inlets.

The eroded lava cubbies in Santiago’s coast often shelter penguins.  I know I’ve mentioned penguins earlier in this series, but I don’t know if I said how surprised I was to see them.  

I flash back to my trip to Australia, where I first saw wild penguins.  My friend was surprised at how excited I was.  “We don’t have penguins north of the equator,” I knowingly explained. 

I was wrong.  Here in the Galapagos, there are penguins—small ones—and they are just north of the equator.

 

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We also have an opportunity to see fur seals (vs. sea lions).  I confess I have a little trouble telling them apart.  I read, I examine my photos, I enlarge my photos, I look at other pictures…. And this is why I take a tour with a good guide. (My attempts to clarify the differences by searching the Internet led me to a video recorded by a tourist;  the guide was talking about “fur sea lions”.  That did not help me at all.)

  

One way to differentiate a fur seal from sea lion is the thicker fur of the seal’s coat.  I am not very good at noting that difference.   The Galapagos fur seal’s muzzle is shorter than the sea lion’s; the sea lion has a pointier nose.  That is a little easier for me to see.

Below is a photo taken on Santiago, and I’m pretty sure it’s a fur seal.    I decided not to wake him up to ask. 

This second photo, taken on Fernandina, is (I think) a sea lion. 

One other way I think you can tell them apart-- I don't believe  fur seals are as playful or mischievous as the sea lions-- I haven't heard any stories of fur seals playing keep-away with tourists (see previous post).

Note to naturalists, birders, and others knowledgeable about wildlife:  I welcome any corrections, comments, or information you'd like to share.  If  you do so in the comment section, other readers will benefit from your input. 

Next: More Galapagos Birds