Española Island
Española is the southernmost of the Galapagos Islands and is also one of the oldest. Geologists estimate it is about four million years old. Española is a classic volcano island, created from a single caldera in the center of the island. Over thousands of years, the island slowly moved away from the Galapagos hot spot where it was formed and the volcano became extinct. Erosion began to occur, eventually resulting in one of the flattest islands in the archipelago with one of the lowest elevations. What this island really became was a place of magic and wonder.
Blue Footed Boobie
Nothing quite says you are in the Galapagos like coming across the blue footed boobie. I always imagined a small, cute little animal frolicking about but neither of those words describe them accurately. They have a wingspan of around 3’ so that covers the small part and handsome is the better descriptor in regards to appearance- having a pleasing and usually impressive or dignified appearance.
During mating rituals, male Blue-Footed Boobies show off their feet to prospective mates with a high-stepping strut. The bluer the feet, the more attractive the mate.
Galapagos Albatross
The waved albatross is the largest bird in the Galapagos Islands and has a wingspan that can reach a massive 8.5’ long. Espanola has massive colonies of these behemoth’s and their calls are just as loud as the large waves pounding off the rocks. Thousands of chicks let out cries desperate for momma to bring them a fish and cuddle their fluffy young bodies.
Galapagos hawk
Positioned at the top of the terrestrial food chain, the Galapagos hawk is an apex predator and an excellent hunter. The Galapagos hawk is on the endangered list and has been protected by Ecuadorian law since 1959. The ranger told me that there are only 500 of this majestic bird left on earth, that is crazy to think about.
Christmas Iguana
The marine iguana’s on Espanola are the most colorful and are know as the “Christmas Iguanas”. When it is mating season, which it is, they change colors from black to red, green, black and grey. The men are especially colorful to let the ladies know they are ready for action. When mates are selected and the eggs are laid the couple will fight to the death to defend them.