Our cruise is coming to an end.
Early breakfast then wet landing on North Seymour Island. This island has the largest colony of Magnificent Frigate birds. as well as nesting Blue footed Boobies and Swallow tailed Gulls.
Everywhere we walked it was wall to wall birds – on the ground – in trees and some in the air. The early start was to be there while they were on the ground.
We saw up close a Male Blue footed Boobie courting a female. He danced around lifting his feet to show her they were clean ( I made that bit up ) He would collect some dried grass for a nest, and spread his wings to show her that he would be able to collect food for her and the young. We watched this for a good 10 minutes and she did not seem to interested until another male got into the race. during that – number one male walked away and continued to spread his wings – right beside my feet. In my photo you can see my shadow on the ground. As we were about to move on – number one moved in closer to his future mate – cause she choose him over the new comer. Happy ever after.
The male frigate birds have a red bib under their neck which they can blow up like a balloon and make a loud calling sound. If the female likes what she sees and hears – she checks him out – and if she like what she sees – well you know the rest – more birds for you to see when you visit these enchanted Islands.
This island was a great way to finish our cruise – back to Beluga and short trip to Baltra. On the land again – luggage is in the lorry and we into a bus for the trip to the airport. Check in and a two hour wait for our flight to Guayaquil for me and Quito for must of the others. We left Alyce and Wallis behind for their bus ride back to Puerto Ayora for the half Marathron. Did I mention that Alyce was the winner of the Ladies.
Back in Gauyaquil I had to wait for the Hotel bus to pick me up. Back at the hotel I was reunited with my suitcase – so repacked everything for the home journey on the next day 10 October 15.
Early to bed – still gently rocking in my sleep. Early start again.