Thanks to a couple of readers who sent me photos to keep this feature going. But I can always use more, so, after you’re in a food coma from turkey and stuffing, you might think about organizing a few photos to send me.
Today’s contribution comes from Robert Guttentag, a Professor Emeritus in the Dept. of Psychology at UNC Greensboro. Below is his brief introduction, and you can enlarge the photos by clicking on them. I’ve labeled the photos according to what I know from having been to the archipelago:
I’ve always assumed that standard Galápagos pics would not be what you were looking for — but since you put out a special call, thought I’d send you a few anyway. The pic of the booby both above and below the surface is kind of different .
Blue-footed booby (Sula nebouxii):
Marine iguanas (Sula nebouxii):
A pile o’ marine iguanas:
Galápagos land iguana (Conolophus subcristatus):
Galápagos sea lion (Zalophus wollebaeki):
What delightful photos!
I love those booby feet.
All great photos.
( I could post here but not on the post about the glitch.)
I’d love to swim with the lions!
Gorgeous photos, all so unique, colorful, and artfully composed. Many thanks!
The underwater shots of Zalophus give me fond memories of snorkeling with both wollebaeki in the Galapagos and californianus at Los Islotes, near La Paz, Mexico. In the Galapagos they had a very hard time getting us back on the boat each time they let us in the water (fortunately four of us). At Los Islotes I was the sole holdout ’til they sent a small boat specifically to pick me up. Many visitors wear lifejackets and just float at the surface watching the sea lions but if you’re a good swimmer find a juvenile or two and start somersaulting and spiraling underwater, the juveniles will often engage with you specifically, fun for all, including the more passive observers. At Los Islotes I also watched two males have a semi-serious underwater fight. At the conclusion, the loser charged at me as if to say, “I may have lost to him, but I can intimidate you!” He veered off at the last minute as they almost always do. If someone is blowing bubbles directly at your face underwater, it’s a warning that you are annoying them. Go away.
If you go, I highly recommend you bring a well-fitting wetsuit (should be quite tight) and perhaps a hood (booties or wetsuit socks also if you will not be snorkeling directly off a boat). You may need to find a weight belt at your destination if you are too buoyant in the wetsuit. Your own mask and snorkel are also a big plus. I’m willing to wear whatever fins are available locally. Remember a garbage bag in case your gear is still wet as you pack to go home.
Great photos!