Darwin Bay, Part I

We'd only made one stop in the Galápagos Islands, and I already felt like the trip had been worthwhile. How fortunate that we still had another to make at Isla Genovesa, and then five more days still to come!

That first afternoon we made a wet landing in Darwin Bay, taking a Zodiac up to a beach for some snorkeling and a short hike.  There was plenty more wildlife to see -- even some like this former whale that was no longer technically, you know, life.

The mockingbirds weren't confined to our morning stop on the rocky plateau.  They also seemed to enjoy the beach.

I've never seen birds so cavalier about their young.  Babies and juveniles like this Swallow-tailed Gull were plentiful, with no apparent parents watching over them.

Then again, if I had my offspring constantly begging for food I might grow a little indifferent as well.

Ridiculously comfortable with people.  When was the last time you saw two birds sleep on the ground when you were close enough to them to take a picture like this?

An even younger Swallow-tailed Gull, looking like it borrowed an older sibling's legs.

Comfortable with people is one thing.  Posing is quote another, though certainly appreciated.

First we pull on the vine...

...then we toss it in the air...

...then we take off with it, presumably to add it to the nest.

More green than yellow, but I've been assured by a couple of folks on iNaturalist that this is actually a Galápagos Yellow Warbler.

This would be a satisfying assortment of shots for an entire day.  It took me less than half an hour to take them all.  I can only say "embarrassment of riches" so many times before it starts to lose its meaning, but how else is one supposed to describe this place?

Click here for more blog posts from my amazing visit to the Galápagos Islands!