Gray Warbler Finch and Blue-footed Booby

If it is not a seabird, then it is usually a finch of some sort. This is the gray warbler finch. It is only found on San Christóbal and a few other very tiny islands on the eastern side of the archipelago.

Magnificent Frigate Bird

Frigate birds have a problem. Their plumage is not waterproof. This means that when they are at sea, which is most of the time, they cannot land on the water nor can they dive for food. If they do, they become waterlogged and drown.

Swallow-tailed Gull and Smooth-billed Ani

Since you had a strinking view of an immature swallow-tailed gull, I thought you also deserved to see a few images of the adult.

Black-necked Stilt, Hermit Crab, Swallow-tailed Gull

Not every bird found on the islands is one that is only found here. The black-necked stilt is one of these common birds found in lots of places that has made its way here.

Marine Iguana, Brown Pelican, Yellow Warbler

The marine iguana is such an iconic animal and so primitive in appearance that I found them endless entertaining to photograph. It is clear why these were often chosen for those '50's sci fi movies.

Marine Iguana, Brown Pelican

One of the iconic animals we got to see on this trip was the marine iguana. You'll see many more images of these unique animals as we proceed through the trip.

Medium Ground Finch, Galapagos Flycatcher, Brown Pelican

The medium ground finch is ubiquitous on San Cristóbal. This one seems to be staring me down.

Yellow Warbler, Brown Pelican, Medium Ground Finch

The yellow warbler is a fine looking bird. With the greens abd browns of the forest, it is a striking image.

San Cristóbal Mockingbird and the Yellow Warbler

The mockingbirds are where Darwin made his name for sorting them out. This one is endemic to only San Cristóbal Island, hence the name.

Welcome to San Cristóbal Island

Our journey began in earnest by flying to San Cristóbal Island in the Galapagos. The first afternoon, I took a walk through the forest and up a hill to a lookout where we hoped to see some frigate birds. On the way, we spotted a variety of birds. Above is a medium ground finch.

Off to Rio Quijos

One last look at the sapphire throated hummingbird and then we pack up and head to a different location by a river for some lunch and different birds.

The Last of the Hummingbirds on this Trip (almost)

Today, we reach the end of the hummingbird extravaganza and tomorrow we move on to a few other birds we saw at a different location. Then...finally!... the next stop is the Galapagos!

Above is a bronzy inca testing the offering.

Long-tailed sylph, Green Crowned Brilliant, Speckled Hummingbird, Peruvian Racket-tail

This iridescent tail belongs to the long-tailed sylph, a most impressive bird. I love the little tuft of white feathers at his butt!

Peruvian Racket-tail, Green Crowned Brilliant, Speckled Hummingbird

I know that I keep posting the same birds repeatedly, but this racket tail is one I especially like. It is so different from the sorts of hummers I'm used to seeing in the US.

Bronzy Inca, Peruvian Racket-tail

The bronzy inca is another frequent visitor to our lure.

Green-Backed Hillstar, Gorgeted Woodstar, Bronzy Inca

The green-crowned brilliant is a frequent visitor to this flower.

Bronzy Inca, Violet-fronted Brilliant, Green-Backed Hillstar, Peruvian Racket-tail

These bronzy inca hummingbirds are not brilliantly colored like some of the others are, but they are elegant performers.

Green-Crowned Brilliant, Violet-fronted Brilliant, Bananaquit, Bronzy Inca

I know that I'm repeating the same bird often from one blog entry to the next (just wait until I get to the Galapagos Islands...), but these really are amazing birds. The colors of this violet-fronted brilliant are just stunning.

Bronzy Inca, Green-Crowned Brilliant, Peruvian Racket-tail, Violet-fronted Brilliant

Compared to most of his relatives flying about the flower, this bronzy inca is rather drab looking. But he is still an aerial acrobat extraordinaire.

Gorgeted Woodstar, Empress Brilliant, Racket-tail, and Swallow-tailed Hummingbirds

This flower is one that the gorgeted woodstar really liked. he kept coming back for more.