Marietas Islands National Park and UNESCO site is a refuge to 92 species of birds, including the blue footed booby.
Previously used as military training grounds, Jacques Cousteau was instrumental in getting these volcanic islands protected.
When Jeff and Ella toured there they saw humpbacked whales and visited the Hidden Beach. I will share more of their photos soon!
Snowy Egret
Snowy Egrets spear fish and other small aquatic animals in shallow water
Blue Footed Booby
Among boobies, the bluer your feet are, the more likely it is that a female will find you attractive enough to mate with.
Boobies don’t construct traditional nests and lay their eggs on bare ground and mark their territory with a ring of excrement.
Because the birds are protected, and even boats are not allowed to go close, getting great photos was difficult.
Brown Booby
Brown boobies do build nests from whatever is available including branches, seabird bones, and human debris. It is an important part of attracting a mate.
Frigatebird
Frigatebirds are thieves and steal fish and squid from other seabirds. They take hold of the tail feathers of boobies and shake them violently until they give up their catch.
Black Vultures
Black vultures, also known as Mexican vultures have a black head. Turkey vultures have red heads.
Black Vultures share food with their families and feed their young for months after they’ve fledged.
My family pays attention to what interests I have on Hive and are great at filling our family albums with photos for me to share!
