More Boobies and Pelicans

When blue-footed boobies take flight after diving for a meal, they use their feet to push against the water to help get the speed to get airborne.

Boobies, Pelicans, and a Whimbrel

A common beachcomber in the Galapagos is the Galapagos whimbrel. White his characteristic curved bill, he scours the beach for morsels to eat.

Boobies and Plovers

One of the better things to do on the beach is watch the boobies fly along the shallow waters and search for food.

Lava Heron

At first glance, the laval heron is a rather drab looking bird. Yes, it has the typical shape of a heron, but little else to recommend it.

Boobies, Turnstones, and a Lava Heron

The grace and coordination of the boobies in flight as they sail along the wave crests is mesmerizing. I could stand there and watch them for hours.

On the Sea and in the Air

The turnstones and the plover have found a small outcropping of lava just at the water's edge to scour for food morsels.

Along the Lava at the Beach

One of the shore birds we find wandering the lava at the beach is the black-bellied plover.

Flamingos and Pelicans

I suppose that you can tell which flamingos are well fed by looking. The pink color comes from the carotenoids in the shrimp they eat. The more shrimp, the darker the color.