Although it's difficult to choose a favorite, Espanola island might be #1 for me. The hike wasn't too hard, the weather was warm, but not stifling and we saw so many interesting animals.
A two for one in this photo. In the foreground is the Christmas marine iguana. Named such because the males turn bright red and green during mating season. We were a bit late so the red and green aren't so pronounced, but you can still see how they got their name. Behind him is a cute little lava lizard.
I'm not sure what this bird was, but the photo gives you a good idea of how unafraid of people the animals are in the Galapagos. They didn't seem to have the same rules of 'don't touch' that we did!
Baby sea lion nursing. Sea lion females are practically continuously pregnant once they reach maturity. This mama is suckling a 1-2 year old while pregnant. Babies nurse for their first two years before they're on their own. And again, neither of them could have cared less that 14 people were standing in front of them snapping photos!
Lava lizard posing for the camera.
And the star of this island, the Galapagos Albatross. This species is only found in the Galapagos. They nest on the ground and mate for life.
Can you spot the marine iguana swimming in the natural pool?
Iguanas get cold in the ocean so pile upon one another on the rocks to soak up the sun. Trivia: a group of iguanas is called a mess!
Another view of our handsome Christmas marine iguana.
One of the very interesting things about the Albatross is their 'dancing' - a form of communication for sure and also part of the mating ritual. I caught a bit of video of these two dancing and it's just amazing. YouTube it or ask me next time I'm around.
And last is the Galapagos hawk who sits on top of the food chain out here. There are really no predators for most of these animals except this hawk who does not scavenge but hunts live food. Watch out little lizards and baby birds!
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