Day 12 - We Love Boobies

Dr. M wanted us to switch up the blog, so today's post is dedicated to the one and only blue-footed boobies. One of our favorite animals to see here in the Galápagos are the boobies. They are native to the islands, but not endemic. This means you can also find these birds throughout the Gulf of California, down to Peru. However, some of the species on the island are endemic, meaning they are only found on the islands.

Yesterday, when we visited Isla Lobos, we saw so many blue-footed boobies and their babies. The chicks are super fluffy and white. We were surprised to see that the babies did not yet have their blue feet. Our tour guide informed us that their feet will turn blue once they can fish on their own and eat a consistent diet of fish. This change is coincident with their sexual maturity. We even saw a dad boobie sitting on an egg, keeping it warm (see if you can find it in the picture!)

This morning as we were taking surveys, we were mesmerized by the boobies as they dove into the water to catch fish. When boobies are hunting for food, they can dive up to 25 meters deep into the ocean at high speeds to kill the fish. The fish that they kill are responsible for their bright blue feet.

The blue-footed boobies are a big part of the tourist culture, as many of the shops sell shirts and hats that say "I love boobies" with the notorious blue feet.

WE LOVE BLUE-FOOTED BOOBIES AND SO SHOULD YOU!

-Sarah and Grace