Rabida Island

Rabida Island is one of the smallest islands of the Galapagos. The lava that makes up the island is very rich in iron oxide and magnesium giving the sand its astounding reddish color. One the panga ride we passed cactus finches and had a close-up of Blue-footed Boobies sharing a rock with an iguana. We also had a close encounter with a Brown Pelican. This bird had some earlier encounters with humans and probably success in begging for food given his attitude with us. He almost bit on the hand of our oarsman.

Cactus Finch

On the beach we were given the choice of walking down the shoreline or snorkeling. I chose the shoreline while Linda stayed at the landing spot with the baby sea lions. One of the babies had been born shortly before we arrived and Linda had a good time watching the child being mothered as it learned to eat. One of the sea lions exhibited their lack of concern for humans as it wandered through the people lazing on the beach nearly clambering over the legs of one man who just got out of the way.

Walking down the beach, I encountered several more seals and a couple of mockingbirds who were more than happy to pose for the camera. Reaching the end of the sand I took a trail leading to a pond behind the beach shrubbery where a sole flamingo shared the space with a  pair of white-cheeked pintail ducks and a couple of ground finches. I walked back to find Linda so she could see the flamingo.

White-cheeked Pintail

Galapagos Mockingbird

Shortly after that we returned to the ship for a shower and dinner.