Tuesday January 13
This morning we anchored at Isla Bayoneta, a bit further south in the Pearl Islands archipelago than yesterday. We took zodiac rides in the mangrove areas while others kayaked. The predominant species we saw were red mangrove, which expel salt from the water to a sacrificial leaf, allowing all the others to thrive. We also saw some black mangroves, which expel the salt to the leaf surfaces and tend to be larger and further back from the water’s edge. The tide was out so we got to see a few shore birds, Hudsonian Whimbrel, Ruddy Turnstone, and American Oystercatchers. There were very few boobies because they like to congregate in areas with cliffs rather than wooded areas.
In the afternoon we moved north again to Isla Chapera for a second (and final) snorkeling opportunity. Chapera is known for its clear waters. Rough seas delayed and nearly cancelled our outing, but luckily winds died down and we were able to snorkel. The rough seas caused a lot of sand to be stirred up, reducing clarity and visibility a bit. We still had a good time and saw some interesting fish.
Pictured: Hudsonian Whimbrel, Brown Pelican landing, triggerfish, needlefish
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