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Galapagos Waved AlbatrossIn Galapagos, the arrival of the islands' largest bird is more than just an arrival. It is in fact, about the start of many other natural events. For instance, the arrival of albatross birds tells us that the southeast trade winds are on their way, and thus the beginning of the dry season is just around the corner.
Thus, we conclude that Galapagos is a world of perpetual change. If there's one event that can be labelled impressive, attractive and even comical at times, it must be the courtship ritual of the waved albatross. Such courtship is more than just a mere reproductive prelude. It is, without a doubt, one of the most important attractions in Galapagos Islands wildlife, and it only occurs in the months of April, May and June of each year. Finding a mate on Espaņola (Hood) Island is no easy task; the terrain is quite irregular and there's plenty of dry brush from the previous hot season. Nevertheless, male waved albatrosses manage to arrive first, and patiently wait for females to arrive. Once together, courtship is an elaborate set of cues given by one individual and followed by the other potential mate. This orchestrated set of moves is then repeated, but in reverse by the former mate. A series of strange noises that may resemble geese and a set of horn-like sounds can be heard all over the island. Part of the courtship even includes some bill fencing (very attractive yellow bills by the way), ending with a superb sky point and a sheer drop of the neck and head towards the back of the wing. The week-long cruise expeditions of Santa Cruz Ship and the luxury Isabela II yacht include Espaņola Island, which is where you can see the nesting colony of the Galapagos waved albatross. Also, the Friday to Monday expedition of the M/V Santa Cruz will make a regular stop at this unique location. More About Galapagos:Weather in GalapagosRobert Fitzroy from the HMS Beagle Plants of the Galapagos Islands Pictures of Galapagos Islands Recommended Galapagos Reading:A Guide to the Birds of the Galapagos Islands It offers unprecedented comprehensive coverage. This field guide presents every species to have been recorded within the Galapagos, including accidentals and vagrants. Beautiful line drawings, often showing interesting aspects of bird behavior, complement a concise, accessible, and "informative text".Galapagos: Islands Born of Fire This book is elegantly structured: each chapter emphasizes one distinct aspect of the Galapagos with stunning pictures of its Wildlife, Geology and Vegetation. It is truly a wonderful and inspiring photo book. (Highly recommended!) For questions about the Galapagos Islands and its exotic wildlife, please Click here to contact me
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