We're Going Home

Just when you thought I'd finished . . .

Blue-footed Boobies at Black Turtle Cove

Well I couldn't leave it without telling you about the final present that the Galapagos had for us.   A 5.30 am wake-up call, and a 6.00 am panga trip was to take us to Black Turtle Cove.   This area is well know for turtles, white-tipped shark, black-finned shark, hammerheads, rays and other sea life. 

Mangroves

As we approached the mangrove area that we were to explore blue-footed boobies were gathering on the rocks, along with flightless cormorants, lava herons and brown pelicans.   Turtles were bobbing about - some snoozing with their shells just showing above the surface of the water.   We had several playing around the pangas at one stage.   White-tipped shark, black-finned shark, diamond sting-ray and spotted (eagle) rays were seen well, with the end of the rays fins just breaking the surface to show their presence.  

Blue-footed Boobies feeding

We had wondered why so many blue-footed boobies had gathered around the entrance to the inlet and we didn't have to wait long to find out.   As the boat turned I noticed a huge flock of them flying towards one of the other inlets.  As they disappeared behind mangroves we heard a roaring noise, similar to a small aircraft.   At this noise our guide told both boatmen to move the pangas to the area as soon as possible - this was a blue-footed booby feeding frenzy.  We had watched this event on DVD earlier in the trip, and been amazed by the spectacle but nothing could have prepared us to the reality.  

Baltra Airport Shops

The birds were flying in unison, herding the shoals of fish together then diving in to feed.  Within seconds they bobbed back to the surface like corks, flapped their wings and began the process again.  The birds were systematically moving from one side of the lagoon to the other.  At one stage they flew over our heads within touching distance and with sea water dripping onto us as they passed.  

We watched this display completely awestruck for about 20 minutes before the birds started to drift away and we had to go back to the boat.  

Breakfast was at 7.00 am and we were due to leave the boat at 8.00 am for the beginning of our journey home.  

Our last Finch - medium (in case you wondered)

All went according to plan, and we arrived at the airport on Baltra with plenty of time to spare before our flight to Guayaquil, on mainland Ecuador.   After a delightful lunch we checked in and boarded our flight for Madrid - all too soon it was over, we were home and the only thing left to do was relive great memories and bore friends with the details by writing it up.