(no subject)

We are now anchored at the east side of Isla Isabela. This is an interesting island, and is a bird sanctuary. The anchorages here are marginal and are not tenable in bad weather, so we are enjoying a few days of clam wind and seas. We went for a hike on shore with Sailsoon to see the birds, there are a few young birds and eggs, though it is not the best time of year for viewing the hatchlings. It is the end of the dry season so everything is dry and brown, and the trees are bare. It was a hot, dusty,
and buggy walk, but it was interesting to see the Frigate birds and the Boobies (brown and a few blue footed). Several of the Frigate nests are just at head level and the birds are not concerned even when you a very close. One nest was directly over the trial, and as you ducked under it you were just inches from the bird. The Boobies nest on the ground and are a little more protective, but were pretty tolerant till you were within 10 feet of their young.
I hope that we are able to stop here again in the fall at the end of the wet season. I am sure that the island will be completely different, lush and tropical, rather than dry and desert.