Galapagos-1983, Fernandina.

1-14-12 SHORT HILLS: These pix are from an island in the Galapagos that we didn’t get to this trip. Fernandina is the westernmost island, the newest, with an active volcano and the youngest lava flows. This spot, Punta Espinosa, is on the northeast corner. The day we were there was teeming and foggy adding to the otherworldly look of the place. It’s all lava, black sand and surf with only an occasional, scruffy cactus.

Because of the rain, I had my Pentax SLR in a plastic bag with the corner cut off for the end of the lens. Focusing and adjusting the f-stop was difficult, and the footing was treacherous, hence the marginal quality of the images. This bleak spot seems to be paradise for the marine iguanas and the flightless cormorants. The cormorants are only found here and a few spots on Isabela and are vulnerable as a species.


Colony of dozens and dozens of Marine Iguanas, all black, enjoying the weather.


Another big bunch of iguanas.


Two Flightless Cormorants in silhouette, necks flexed, a common posture.


Cormorant with neck extended. The ship is visible beyond the surf, faintly seen through the rain and fog.


Black Sand, lava flows, sea lion or two in shallow water.


Flightless cormorant facing right with neck flexed and chin on chest, stubby, right wing seen on end.

Standing cormorant, flying pelican. The darkest masses on the far shore are bunches of iguanas. People on horizon.


Cormorant, same pose, facing left, wing folded. Iguana closer to the water.