Rabida Island, Part I

Sunday morning of our Galápagos visit saw us at Rabida Island for an early hike.  High levels of iron give the island its distinctive red color.

On landing we were graced with a male sea lion announcing that he, too, had arrived.

But his proclamation didn't dissuade the other sea lions on the beach from their favorite pursuit.

Cloudy skies and light rain joined us at the start of our hike.

Another of the rare flowers from our visit -- a Water Morning Glory.

Could this mockingbird look any angrier?

Even with the overcast skies, the water in this cove is a breathtaking blue.

I enjoyed seeing several small ground finches all preening in the same tree.

Our hike peaked on a cliff that overlooked our cruise ship and the beach where we had landed.

Not surprising to find cacti in the dry climate.

I didn't expect to see ducks, but these White-cheeked Pintails are apparently fairly common.  And also their own unique subspecies.

A Western Spotted Orbweaver showed off its striking pattern.

As we returned to where our hike began, the morning clouds had burned off and the sun was beaming down.  Even bright blue skies couldn't make the small pond of brackish water look appealing, though.

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