{"id":1144,"date":"2025-09-13T19:12:42","date_gmt":"2025-09-14T00:12:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/?page_id=1144"},"modified":"2025-10-24T09:51:33","modified_gmt":"2025-10-24T14:51:33","slug":"sample-page","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/?page_id=1144","title":{"rendered":"Gal\u00e1pagos Islands"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><br>The Galapagos Islands, an archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, are renowned for their unique biodiversity and significant role in Charles Darwin&#8217;s theory of evolution by natural selection. Comprising thirteen main islands and numerous smaller islets and exposed rocks, the islands are home to a variety of endemic species, including the famous Gal\u00e1pagos Giant Tortoises and Marine Iguanas. The islands&#8217; diverse ecosystems range from lush highlands to arid lowlands, attracting scientists, nature enthusiasts, and tourists alike. Today, the Galapagos are a UNESCO World Heritage Site, emphasizing the importance of conservation and sustainable tourism to protect their fragile environments.<br><span style=\"float: right;\">&gt;<a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/?page_id=1141\">Return to International Travel<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:26px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n<style type=\"text\/css\">\n\t#foogallery-gallery-1246 .fg-image {\n        width: 150px;\n    }\n<\/style>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"foogallery foogallery-container foogallery-default foogallery-lightbox-foogallery fg-gutter-10 fg-center fg-m-col1 fg-default fg-dark fg-border-thin fg-shadow-outline fg-loading-partial fg-loaded-fade-in fg-hover-fade fg-hover-zoom fg-ready\" id=\"foogallery-gallery-1246\" data-foogallery=\"{&quot;item&quot;:{&quot;showCaptionTitle&quot;:true,&quot;showCaptionDescription&quot;:true},&quot;lazy&quot;:true}\" data-foogallery-lightbox=\"{&quot;thumbs&quot;:&quot;bottom&quot;,&quot;thumbsCaptions&quot;:false,&quot;thumbsBestFit&quot;:false,&quot;thumbsSmall&quot;:false,&quot;thumbsCaptionsAlign&quot;:&quot;default&quot;,&quot;info&quot;:&quot;bottom&quot;,&quot;infoVisible&quot;:true,&quot;infoOverlay&quot;:true,&quot;infoAlign&quot;:&quot;default&quot;,&quot;transition&quot;:&quot;fade&quot;,&quot;hoverButtons&quot;:false,&quot;fitMedia&quot;:false,&quot;noScrollbars&quot;:true,&quot;preserveButtonSpace&quot;:true,&quot;buttons&quot;:{&quot;fullscreen&quot;:true,&quot;info&quot;:true,&quot;thumbs&quot;:false},&quot;video&quot;:{&quot;autoPlay&quot;:true}}\" >\n\t<div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL01-2674.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Aeropuerto\" data-caption-desc=\"On Baltra Island.\" data-attachment-id=\"1426\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"On Baltra Island.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL01-2674\/2258515486.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Aeropuerto<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">On Baltra Island.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL02-.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Islands Map\" data-caption-desc=\"There are 13 \u201cmajor\u201d islands on the map, plus Eden Islet and North Seymour Island.  Including Eden and N Seymour, the colored islands indicate the islands we visited, and the route we took. The asterisks indicate volcanoes.  Fernandina Island has an active volcano which last erupted in March 2024.  Isabela Island has five volcanoes that are considered active, having erupted since 1954,  The most recent eruption on Isabela was in 2022.\" data-attachment-id=\"1425\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"There are 13 \u201cmajor\u201d islands on the map, plus Eden Islet and North Seymour Island.  Including Eden and N Seymour, the colored islands indicate the islands we visited, and the route we took. The asterisks indicate volcanoes.  Fernandina Island has an active volcano which last erupted in March 2024.  Isabela Island has five volcanoes that are considered active, having erupted since 1954,  The most recent eruption on Isabela was in 2022.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL02-\/66971526.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Islands Map<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">There are 13 \u201cmajor\u201d islands on the map, plus Eden Islet and North Seymour Island.  Including Eden and N Seymour, the colored islands indicate the islands we visited, and the route we took. The asterisks indicate volcanoes.  Fernandina Island has an active volcano which last erupted in March 2024.  Isabela Island has five volcanoes that are considered active, having erupted since 1954,  The most recent eruption on Isabela was in 2022.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL03-2797.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Isabela II Expedition Ship\" data-caption-desc=\"Licensed by the Gal\u00e1pagos National Park Directorate, expedition ships are designed for visitors to become explorers.  It is an immersive experience,\u00a0with guided excursions and ample opportunities for wildlife observation according to the strict laws governing the National Park.\" data-attachment-id=\"1424\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Licensed by the Gal\u00e1pagos National Park Directorate, expedition ships are designed for visitors to become explorers.  It is an immersive experience,\u00a0with guided excursions and ample opportunities for wildlife observation according to the strict laws governing the National Park.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL03-2797\/1169081229.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Isabela II Expedition Ship<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Licensed by the Gal\u00e1pagos National Park Directorate, expedition ships are designed for visitors to become explorers.  It is an immersive experience,\u00a0with guided excursions and ample opportunities for wildlife observation according to the strict laws governing the National Park.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL04-1494.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Sunrise Over Santa Cruz Island\" data-attachment-id=\"1423\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL04-1494\/862617446.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Sunrise Over Santa Cruz Island<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL05-0521.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"San Crist\u00f3bal Island\" data-caption-desc=\"Our first stop of the day with a choice of a &quot;strenuous&quot; hike or exploring underwater life on a glass-bottom boat.\" data-attachment-id=\"1422\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Our first stop of the day with a choice of a &quot;strenuous&quot; hike or exploring underwater life on a glass-bottom boat.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL05-0521\/3805084239.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">San Crist\u00f3bal Island<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Our first stop of the day with a choice of a \"strenuous\" hike or exploring underwater life on a glass-bottom boat.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL06-2727.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"San Crist\u00f3bal Island\" data-caption-desc=\"Sunset pjust prior to our departure.\" data-attachment-id=\"1421\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Sunset pjust prior to our departure.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL06-2727\/668629382.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">San Crist\u00f3bal Island<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Sunset pjust prior to our departure.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL07-2756.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Blowhole on Espa\u00f1ola Island\" data-attachment-id=\"1420\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL07-2756\/3125720511.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Blowhole on Espa\u00f1ola Island<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL08-2791.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Rocks off of Floreanna Island\" data-caption-desc=\"Sunrise\" data-attachment-id=\"1419\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Sunrise\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL08-2791\/3956812712.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Rocks off of Floreanna Island<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Sunrise<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL09-2796.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Floreanna Island\" data-attachment-id=\"1418\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL09-2796\/3561128927.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Floreanna Island<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL10-2861.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Isabela Island\" data-attachment-id=\"1417\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL10-2861\/919423754.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Isabela Island<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL11-1495.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Eden Islet\" data-caption-desc=\"This rock sticky out of the water is about \u00bd mile wide and just less than a 100 feet tall.  There is no place to land, so we explored by panga boat and snorkeling.\" data-attachment-id=\"1416\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"This rock sticky out of the water is about \u00bd mile wide and just less than a 100 feet tall.  There is no place to land, so we explored by panga boat and snorkeling.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL11-1495\/3686772160.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Eden Islet<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">This rock sticky out of the water is about \u00bd mile wide and just less than a 100 feet tall.  There is no place to land, so we explored by panga boat and snorkeling.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL12-2887.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"GL12-2887\" data-attachment-id=\"1415\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL12-2887\/1390402499.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">GL12-2887<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL13-2906.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Panga Boat\" data-caption-desc=\"Ready to explore with our driver and our certified guide.\" data-attachment-id=\"1414\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Ready to explore with our driver and our certified guide.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL13-2906\/4281381653.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Panga Boat<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Ready to explore with our driver and our certified guide.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL14-2858.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Panga Boat\" data-caption-desc=\"Returning from a snorkeling exploration at Floreanna Island.\" data-attachment-id=\"1413\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Returning from a snorkeling exploration at Floreanna Island.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL14-2858\/3312576860.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Panga Boat<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Returning from a snorkeling exploration at Floreanna Island.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL15-2692.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Santa Cruz Island Hike\" data-attachment-id=\"1412\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL15-2692\/2568197981.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Santa Cruz Island Hike<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL16-0525.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Hike on San Crist\u00f3bal Island\" data-attachment-id=\"1411\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL16-0525\/4248363497.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Hike on San Crist\u00f3bal Island<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL17-2695.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Isabella off San Crist\u00f3bal\" data-attachment-id=\"1410\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL17-2695\/4184464536.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Isabella off San Crist\u00f3bal<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL18-1182.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gathering for Hike\" data-attachment-id=\"1409\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL18-1182\/1290747312.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gathering for Hike<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL19-2864.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"GL19-2864\" data-attachment-id=\"1408\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL19-2864\/317326080.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">GL19-2864<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL20-1203.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Candelabra Cactus\" data-caption-desc=\"ENDEMIC. The candelabra cactus is not only a striking plant but also an essential component of the Gal\u00e1pagos ecosystem. By providing food, shelter, and supporting various ecological functions (for example, soil stabilization), it contributes to the health and diversity of the environment.\" data-attachment-id=\"1407\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"ENDEMIC. The candelabra cactus is not only a striking plant but also an essential component of the Gal\u00e1pagos ecosystem. By providing food, shelter, and supporting various ecological functions (for example, soil stabilization), it contributes to the health and diversity of the environment.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL20-1203\/3261273190.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Candelabra Cactus<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">ENDEMIC. The candelabra cactus is not only a striking plant but also an essential component of the Gal\u00e1pagos ecosystem. By providing food, shelter, and supporting various ecological functions (for example, soil stabilization), it contributes to the health and diversity of the environment.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL21-2865.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Lava Cactus\" data-caption-desc=\"They thrive in harsh, rocky areas and are often one of the first plants to colonize new lava flows. As the lava cactus grows and eventually dies, it contributes organic matter to the soil, aiding in soil formation and improving soil fertility over time. This process supports the growth of other plants. The flowers of the lava cactus produce nectar, which attracts various pollinators, including insects and birds. The fleshy pads can also be consumed by herbivores, such as land iguanas and giant tortoises, providing hydration and nutrients.\" data-attachment-id=\"1406\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"They thrive in harsh, rocky areas and are often one of the first plants to colonize new lava flows. As the lava cactus grows and eventually dies, it contributes organic matter to the soil, aiding in soil formation and improving soil fertility over time. This process supports the growth of other plants. The flowers of the lava cactus produce nectar, which attracts various pollinators, including insects and birds. The fleshy pads can also be consumed by herbivores, such as land iguanas and giant tortoises, providing hydration and nutrients.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL21-2865\/3431543757.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Lava Cactus<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">They thrive in harsh, rocky areas and are often one of the first plants to colonize new lava flows. As the lava cactus grows and eventually dies, it contributes organic matter to the soil, aiding in soil formation and improving soil fertility over time. This process supports the growth of other plants. The flowers of the lava cactus produce nectar, which attracts various pollinators, including insects and birds. The fleshy pads can also be consumed by herbivores, such as land iguanas and giant tortoises, providing hydration and nutrients.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL22-2834.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Prickly Pear Cactus\" data-caption-desc=\"ENDEMIC. Prickly pear cactus is found in coastal and lowland areas.  In addition to the Saddleback Giant Tortoises and Land Iguanas, Finches, Mockingbirds, and Doves feed on the flowers, fruit and seeds.  Prickly Pear Cactus can slowly grow up to 20-30\u2019 tall,flower at 50 years, and may live for another 150 years. Enough animal species depend on this cactus that if it were to disappear, the system would radically collapse. The Gal\u00e1pagos Prickly Pear Cactus is a vital component of the islands&#039; ecosystem. Its role as a food source, habitat provider, and contributor to soil health highlights its importance in maintaining the balance of the Gal\u00e1pagos environment.\" data-attachment-id=\"1405\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"ENDEMIC. Prickly pear cactus is found in coastal and lowland areas.  In addition to the Saddleback Giant Tortoises and Land Iguanas, Finches, Mockingbirds, and Doves feed on the flowers, fruit and seeds.  Prickly Pear Cactus can slowly grow up to 20-30\u2019 tall,flower at 50 years, and may live for another 150 years. Enough animal species depend on this cactus that if it were to disappear, the system would radically collapse. The Gal\u00e1pagos Prickly Pear Cactus is a vital component of the islands&#039; ecosystem. Its role as a food source, habitat provider, and contributor to soil health highlights its importance in maintaining the balance of the Gal\u00e1pagos environment.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL22-2834\/357864878.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Prickly Pear Cactus<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">ENDEMIC. Prickly pear cactus is found in coastal and lowland areas.  In addition to the Saddleback Giant Tortoises and Land Iguanas, Finches, Mockingbirds, and Doves feed on the flowers, fruit and seeds.  Prickly Pear Cactus can slowly grow up to 20-30\u2019 tall,flower at 50 years, and may live for another 150 years. Enough animal species depend on this cactus that if it were to disappear, the system would radically collapse. The Gal\u00e1pagos Prickly Pear Cactus is a vital component of the islands' ecosystem. Its role as a food source, habitat provider, and contributor to soil health highlights its importance in maintaining the balance of the Gal\u00e1pagos environment.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL23-2809.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Hike on Floreanna Island\" data-attachment-id=\"1404\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL23-2809\/2189630932.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Hike on Floreanna Island<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL24-2696.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"First Snorkeling Experience\" data-caption-desc=\"Some had never snorkeled before, and as former dive instructors, Sandy and I assisted beginners.\" data-attachment-id=\"1403\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Some had never snorkeled before, and as former dive instructors, Sandy and I assisted beginners.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL24-2696\/1666707354.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">First Snorkeling Experience<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Some had never snorkeled before, and as former dive instructors, Sandy and I assisted beginners.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL25-2697.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Watchful Panga Drivers\" data-caption-desc=\"Once geared up and off the beach, the drivers watched the snorkelers like hawks.  If they saw an extended arm waving, it was a signal that &quot;I&#039;m done, come get me&quot;.\" data-attachment-id=\"1402\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Once geared up and off the beach, the drivers watched the snorkelers like hawks.  If they saw an extended arm waving, it was a signal that &quot;I&#039;m done, come get me&quot;.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL25-2697\/2594328170.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Watchful Panga Drivers<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Once geared up and off the beach, the drivers watched the snorkelers like hawks.  If they saw an extended arm waving, it was a signal that \"I'm done, come get me\".<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL26-1881.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Final Panga Trip Back to the Isabela II.\" data-caption-desc=\"That&#039;s Baltra Island in the background, where we would be the next morning to fly back to Guayaquil.\" data-attachment-id=\"1401\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"That&#039;s Baltra Island in the background, where we would be the next morning to fly back to Guayaquil.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL26-1881\/2474501806.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Final Panga Trip Back to the Isabela II.<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">That's Baltra Island in the background, where we would be the next morning to fly back to Guayaquil.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL27-2686.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Blue-footed Boobies\" data-caption-desc=\"The name is thought to have come from the Spanish word \u201cbobo\u201d which means \u201cstupid\u201d or \u201cfoolish\u201d. This name may have stemmed from the birds\u2019 clumsy and awkward appearance on land. They also seem to have a vacant stare, like the lights are on but nobody\u2019s at home.\" data-attachment-id=\"1400\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"The name is thought to have come from the Spanish word \u201cbobo\u201d which means \u201cstupid\u201d or \u201cfoolish\u201d. This name may have stemmed from the birds\u2019 clumsy and awkward appearance on land. They also seem to have a vacant stare, like the lights are on but nobody\u2019s at home.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL27-2686\/734795883.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Blue-footed Boobies<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">The name is thought to have come from the Spanish word \u201cbobo\u201d which means \u201cstupid\u201d or \u201cfoolish\u201d. This name may have stemmed from the birds\u2019 clumsy and awkward appearance on land. They also seem to have a vacant stare, like the lights are on but nobody\u2019s at home.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL28-2828.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Blue-footed Booby\" data-caption-desc=\"They can be found elsewhere in the world, but they seem to poliferate in the Gal\u00e1pagos.\" data-attachment-id=\"1399\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"They can be found elsewhere in the world, but they seem to poliferate in the Gal\u00e1pagos.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL28-2828\/3245214236.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Blue-footed Booby<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">They can be found elsewhere in the world, but they seem to poliferate in the Gal\u00e1pagos.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL29-1799-1.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Male Blue-footed Booby\" data-caption-desc=\"So begins the courtship dance.  The male&#039;s feet better be a deep blue, because that&#039;s what the females like!  (1799)\" data-attachment-id=\"1456\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"So begins the courtship dance.  The male&#039;s feet better be a deep blue, because that&#039;s what the females like!  (1799)\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL29-1799-1\/958018985.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Male Blue-footed Booby<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">So begins the courtship dance.  The male's feet better be a deep blue, because that's what the females like!  (1799)<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL30-.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Blue-footed Booby Courtship\" data-caption-desc=\"Along with\u00a0sky-pointing,\u00a0head bobbing, or\u00a0male foot-lifting, and twig offerings, &quot;bill-clapping&quot; is part of the couirtship routine.\" data-attachment-id=\"1397\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Along with\u00a0sky-pointing,\u00a0head bobbing, or\u00a0male foot-lifting, and twig offerings, &quot;bill-clapping&quot; is part of the couirtship routine.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL30-\/1564816162.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Blue-footed Booby Courtship<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Along with\u00a0sky-pointing,\u00a0head bobbing, or\u00a0male foot-lifting, and twig offerings, \"bill-clapping\" is part of the couirtship routine.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL31-.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Juvenile Blue-footed Booby\" data-caption-desc=\"Birds change coloration on their way from chucks to adulthood.  Sometimes this makes identification frustratingly difficult.\" data-attachment-id=\"1396\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Birds change coloration on their way from chucks to adulthood.  Sometimes this makes identification frustratingly difficult.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL31-\/1096355557.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Juvenile Blue-footed Booby<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Birds change coloration on their way from chucks to adulthood.  Sometimes this makes identification frustratingly difficult.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL32-.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Female Red-footed Booby\" data-caption-desc=\"Supposedly, this species outnumbers the other two Booby species, but that is not what we noticed.  We saw the reds only in one area of San Crist\u00f3bal lsland, and the Blues were everywhere!\" data-attachment-id=\"1395\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Supposedly, this species outnumbers the other two Booby species, but that is not what we noticed.  We saw the reds only in one area of San Crist\u00f3bal lsland, and the Blues were everywhere!\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL32-\/1702709420.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Female Red-footed Booby<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Supposedly, this species outnumbers the other two Booby species, but that is not what we noticed.  We saw the reds only in one area of San Crist\u00f3bal lsland, and the Blues were everywhere!<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL33-.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Female Red-footed Booby and Chick\" data-caption-desc=\"The baby looks bigger than mama, but the little one is likely all &quot;fluff&quot;.  The females have more muted colors than the male Red-foots, and I did not see a single male.\" data-attachment-id=\"1394\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"The baby looks bigger than mama, but the little one is likely all &quot;fluff&quot;.  The females have more muted colors than the male Red-foots, and I did not see a single male.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL33-\/2036430187.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Female Red-footed Booby and Chick<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">The baby looks bigger than mama, but the little one is likely all \"fluff\".  The females have more muted colors than the male Red-foots, and I did not see a single male.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL34-.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Red-footed Booby Chick\" data-caption-desc=\"Not happy whem mama leaves!\" data-attachment-id=\"1393\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Not happy whem mama leaves!\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL34-\/758498366.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Red-footed Booby Chick<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Not happy whem mama leaves!<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL35-.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Red-footed Booby Juvenile\" data-caption-desc=\"Of the three Booby species, only the reds nest off the ground in trees or shrubs.  The blues and Nazca Boobies both nest on the groud, often in the middle of hiking paths.\" data-attachment-id=\"1392\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Of the three Booby species, only the reds nest off the ground in trees or shrubs.  The blues and Nazca Boobies both nest on the groud, often in the middle of hiking paths.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL35-\/824834553.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Red-footed Booby Juvenile<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Of the three Booby species, only the reds nest off the ground in trees or shrubs.  The blues and Nazca Boobies both nest on the groud, often in the middle of hiking paths.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL36-2772.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Nazca Booby\" data-caption-desc=\"We only saw this species on Espa\u00f1ola Island.\" data-attachment-id=\"1391\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"We only saw this species on Espa\u00f1ola Island.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL36-2772\/2807315340.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Nazca Booby<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">We only saw this species on Espa\u00f1ola Island.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL37-2773.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Nazca Boobies\" data-caption-desc=\"Although awkward on land, Boobies and accomplished fliers, and all three species dive for food.  They can dive from heights of 100 feet, hit the water at 60 mph, and reach depths of 60+ feet to catch their dinner.\" data-attachment-id=\"1390\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Although awkward on land, Boobies and accomplished fliers, and all three species dive for food.  They can dive from heights of 100 feet, hit the water at 60 mph, and reach depths of 60+ feet to catch their dinner.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL37-2773\/1587649148.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Nazca Boobies<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Although awkward on land, Boobies and accomplished fliers, and all three species dive for food.  They can dive from heights of 100 feet, hit the water at 60 mph, and reach depths of 60+ feet to catch their dinner.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL38-0575.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Frigatebirds\" data-caption-desc=\"Like the Boobies, they can be found elsewhere in the world.  In the Gal\u00e1pagos, there are two closely-related species that I could never differentiate. There is nowhere else where one can get as close to these birds as in the Gal\u00e1pagos.\" data-attachment-id=\"1389\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Like the Boobies, they can be found elsewhere in the world.  In the Gal\u00e1pagos, there are two closely-related species that I could never differentiate. There is nowhere else where one can get as close to these birds as in the Gal\u00e1pagos.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL38-0575\/391215885.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Frigatebirds<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Like the Boobies, they can be found elsewhere in the world.  In the Gal\u00e1pagos, there are two closely-related species that I could never differentiate. There is nowhere else where one can get as close to these birds as in the Gal\u00e1pagos.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL39-.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Frigatebird\" data-caption-desc=\"Frigatebirds have the largest wingspan-to-body-weight ratio of any bird, allowing them to soar for days or weeks without landing. Some individuals have been tracked staying airborne\u00a0for over 2 months!\" data-attachment-id=\"1388\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Frigatebirds have the largest wingspan-to-body-weight ratio of any bird, allowing them to soar for days or weeks without landing. Some individuals have been tracked staying airborne\u00a0for over 2 months!\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL39-\/1882469845.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Frigatebird<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Frigatebirds have the largest wingspan-to-body-weight ratio of any bird, allowing them to soar for days or weeks without landing. Some individuals have been tracked staying airborne\u00a0for over 2 months!<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL40-.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Frigatebird\" data-caption-desc=\"The deeply forked tail acts like a\u00a0rudder, allowing\u00a0tight turns, quick changes in direction, therefore great aerial agility. They need this skill for catching flying fish\u00a0in mid-air,\rsnatching prey\u00a0off the ocean surface without landing, and\rperforming\u00a0complex aerial chases\u00a0when harassing other birds to steal their food out of their mouths. .\" data-attachment-id=\"1387\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"The deeply forked tail acts like a\u00a0rudder, allowing\u00a0tight turns, quick changes in direction, therefore great aerial agility. They need this skill for catching flying fish\u00a0in mid-air,\rsnatching prey\u00a0off the ocean surface without landing, and\rperforming\u00a0complex aerial chases\u00a0when harassing other birds to steal their food out of their mouths. .\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL40-\/1430718539.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Frigatebird<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">The deeply forked tail acts like a\u00a0rudder, allowing\u00a0tight turns, quick changes in direction, therefore great aerial agility. They need this skill for catching flying fish\u00a0in mid-air,\rsnatching prey\u00a0off the ocean surface without landing, and\rperforming\u00a0complex aerial chases\u00a0when harassing other birds to steal their food out of their mouths. .<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL41-.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Frigatebird\" data-caption-desc=\"Frigatebirds never land in on the water, let alone dive, because once their wings get wet, they may not be able to takeoff again.\" data-attachment-id=\"1386\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Frigatebirds never land in on the water, let alone dive, because once their wings get wet, they may not be able to takeoff again.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL41-\/1230714252.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Frigatebird<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Frigatebirds never land in on the water, let alone dive, because once their wings get wet, they may not be able to takeoff again.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL42-1858-1.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Frigatebirds\" data-caption-desc=\"Males have a \u00a0flexible, inflatable throat pouch\u00a0called a &quot;gular sac&quot;. During the\u00a0breeding season, the male\u00a0inflates it with air\u00a0to form a large, bright\u00a0red balloon-like display.\nFlying females select mates based on\u00a0sac size, a vibrant red color, and display behavior.  (1858)\" data-attachment-id=\"1458\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Frigatebird with guar sac\" title=\"Males have a \u00a0flexible, inflatable throat pouch\u00a0called a &quot;gular sac&quot;. During the\u00a0breeding season, the male\u00a0inflates it with air\u00a0to form a large, bright\u00a0red balloon-like display.\nFlying females select mates based on\u00a0sac size, a vibrant red color, and display behavior.  (1858)\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL42-1858-1\/1916651708.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Frigatebirds<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Males have a \u00a0flexible, inflatable throat pouch\u00a0called a \"gular sac\". During the\u00a0breeding season, the male\u00a0inflates it with air\u00a0to form a large, bright\u00a0red balloon-like display.\nFlying females select mates based on\u00a0sac size, a vibrant red color, and display behavior.  (1858)<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL43-.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Galapagos (or Waved) Albatross\" data-caption-desc=\"ENDEMIC (This is the first species display in the gallery that CANNOT be found elsewhere in the world.) It is the only albatross to live on the equator .\u00a0 Virtually all live and breed on Espa\u00f1ola Island.\" data-attachment-id=\"1384\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"ENDEMIC (This is the first species display in the gallery that CANNOT be found elsewhere in the world.) It is the only albatross to live on the equator .\u00a0 Virtually all live and breed on Espa\u00f1ola Island.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL43-\/1902333442.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Galapagos (or Waved) Albatross<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">ENDEMIC (This is the first species display in the gallery that CANNOT be found elsewhere in the world.) It is the only albatross to live on the equator .\u00a0 Virtually all live and breed on Espa\u00f1ola Island.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL44-8.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Albatross Courtship\" data-caption-desc=\"The Gal\u00e1pagos albatross has a distinctive appearance, characterized by its wave-like pattern\u00a0on its chest and back feathers.It is smaller  in size than other species, and DNA sequencing confirms that it diverged from its North Pacific relatives\u00a0hundreds of thousands of years ago.\" data-attachment-id=\"1383\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"The Gal\u00e1pagos albatross has a distinctive appearance, characterized by its wave-like pattern\u00a0on its chest and back feathers.It is smaller  in size than other species, and DNA sequencing confirms that it diverged from its North Pacific relatives\u00a0hundreds of thousands of years ago.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL44-8\/64212879.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Albatross Courtship<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">The Gal\u00e1pagos albatross has a distinctive appearance, characterized by its wave-like pattern\u00a0on its chest and back feathers.It is smaller  in size than other species, and DNA sequencing confirms that it diverged from its North Pacific relatives\u00a0hundreds of thousands of years ago.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL45-2760.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Galapagos (or Waved) Albatross\" data-caption-desc=\"The Albatross cannot take off from a standing position or still air.  They either need a running start into a wind, or they can launch off a high cliff. Like all albatrosses, they are\u00a0built for soaring\u00a0over open ocean, not for quick liftoffs. Once airborne, they can\u00a0glide for hours or days\u00a0with barely a flap, but getting airborne is the hard part.\" data-attachment-id=\"1382\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"The Albatross cannot take off from a standing position or still air.  They either need a running start into a wind, or they can launch off a high cliff. Like all albatrosses, they are\u00a0built for soaring\u00a0over open ocean, not for quick liftoffs. Once airborne, they can\u00a0glide for hours or days\u00a0with barely a flap, but getting airborne is the hard part.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL45-2760\/4279735112.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Galapagos (or Waved) Albatross<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">The Albatross cannot take off from a standing position or still air.  They either need a running start into a wind, or they can launch off a high cliff. Like all albatrosses, they are\u00a0built for soaring\u00a0over open ocean, not for quick liftoffs. Once airborne, they can\u00a0glide for hours or days\u00a0with barely a flap, but getting airborne is the hard part.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL46-.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Flightless Cormorant\" data-caption-desc=\"ENDEMIC.  The name reflects two key drivers: an evolutionary change due to no predators and\u00a0food (fish, eels, octopuses) available close to shore. There was no need to fly to either escape or find food. The Gal\u00e1pagos Cormorant likely\u00a0lost flight ~2 million years ago, after a flying ancestor colonized the islands.\" data-attachment-id=\"1381\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"ENDEMIC.  The name reflects two key drivers: an evolutionary change due to no predators and\u00a0food (fish, eels, octopuses) available close to shore. There was no need to fly to either escape or find food. The Gal\u00e1pagos Cormorant likely\u00a0lost flight ~2 million years ago, after a flying ancestor colonized the islands.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL46-\/487556313.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Flightless Cormorant<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">ENDEMIC.  The name reflects two key drivers: an evolutionary change due to no predators and\u00a0food (fish, eels, octopuses) available close to shore. There was no need to fly to either escape or find food. The Gal\u00e1pagos Cormorant likely\u00a0lost flight ~2 million years ago, after a flying ancestor colonized the islands.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL47-.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Flightless Cormorant\" data-caption-desc=\"With no need for the energy required for flight, they could increase in size with twice the weight of other cormorants.\u00a0 With no feather oil and large web feet, they could dive deeper, stay underwater longer, and eat larger fish.\" data-attachment-id=\"1380\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"With no need for the energy required for flight, they could increase in size with twice the weight of other cormorants.\u00a0 With no feather oil and large web feet, they could dive deeper, stay underwater longer, and eat larger fish.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL47-\/18069790.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Flightless Cormorant<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">With no need for the energy required for flight, they could increase in size with twice the weight of other cormorants.\u00a0 With no feather oil and large web feet, they could dive deeper, stay underwater longer, and eat larger fish.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL48-1469.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Flightless Cormorant\" data-caption-desc=\"It is, perhaps, the\u00a0rarest, if not funniest-looking, cormorant species\u00a0in the world.  To me, this looks like a &quot;Rocky&quot; moment.\" data-attachment-id=\"1379\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"It is, perhaps, the\u00a0rarest, if not funniest-looking, cormorant species\u00a0in the world.  To me, this looks like a &quot;Rocky&quot; moment.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL48-1469\/4217383814.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Flightless Cormorant<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">It is, perhaps, the\u00a0rarest, if not funniest-looking, cormorant species\u00a0in the world.  To me, this looks like a \"Rocky\" moment.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL49-8.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Hawk\" data-caption-desc=\"ENDEMIC.  They have become extinct on a few islands extinction due to the combination of human activity, introduced invasive species, prey loss, and small isolated populations. It is one of the world\u2019s rarest raptors, with an estimated population of just 150 breeding pairs. The absence of natural predators on the islands has led to &quot;island tameness&quot;, a well-documented evolutionary phenomenon.\" data-attachment-id=\"1378\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"ENDEMIC.  They have become extinct on a few islands extinction due to the combination of human activity, introduced invasive species, prey loss, and small isolated populations. It is one of the world\u2019s rarest raptors, with an estimated population of just 150 breeding pairs. The absence of natural predators on the islands has led to &quot;island tameness&quot;, a well-documented evolutionary phenomenon.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL49-8\/2440307254.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Hawk<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">ENDEMIC.  They have become extinct on a few islands extinction due to the combination of human activity, introduced invasive species, prey loss, and small isolated populations. It is one of the world\u2019s rarest raptors, with an estimated population of just 150 breeding pairs. The absence of natural predators on the islands has led to \"island tameness\", a well-documented evolutionary phenomenon.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL50-.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Penguin\" data-caption-desc=\"ENDEMIC. They are relatively small as compared to other penguins, and the evolved smaller body size and less insulating fat helps them cope with warmer water.\" data-attachment-id=\"1377\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"ENDEMIC. They are relatively small as compared to other penguins, and the evolved smaller body size and less insulating fat helps them cope with warmer water.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL50-\/2017038402.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Penguin<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">ENDEMIC. They are relatively small as compared to other penguins, and the evolved smaller body size and less insulating fat helps them cope with warmer water.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL51-2895.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Penguin\" data-caption-desc=\"The only penguin that lives \u201con\u201d the equator.  They are primarily found in the colder waters of Fernandina and Isabela Islands.\" data-attachment-id=\"1376\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"The only penguin that lives \u201con\u201d the equator.  They are primarily found in the colder waters of Fernandina and Isabela Islands.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL51-2895\/911221255.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Penguin<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">The only penguin that lives \u201con\u201d the equator.  They are primarily found in the colder waters of Fernandina and Isabela Islands.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL52-1417.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Penguin\" data-caption-desc=\"They are most closely related to the\u00a0Humboldt penguin of Chile,\rlikely carried northward by the cool, nutrient-rich\u00a0Humboldt Current, which flows from southern South America toward the equator.\" data-attachment-id=\"1375\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"They are most closely related to the\u00a0Humboldt penguin of Chile,\rlikely carried northward by the cool, nutrient-rich\u00a0Humboldt Current, which flows from southern South America toward the equator.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL52-1417\/328458847.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Penguin<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">They are most closely related to the\u00a0Humboldt penguin of Chile,\rlikely carried northward by the cool, nutrient-rich\u00a0Humboldt Current, which flows from southern South America toward the equator.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL53-1423.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Penguin\" data-caption-desc=\"I noted that the Flightless Cormorant lost their ability to fly about 2 miullion years ago.  The last penguin ancestor that could fly was about 60 million years ago \u2014 the age of dinosaurs.\" data-attachment-id=\"1374\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"I noted that the Flightless Cormorant lost their ability to fly about 2 miullion years ago.  The last penguin ancestor that could fly was about 60 million years ago \u2014 the age of dinosaurs.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL53-1423\/2601218318.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Penguin<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">I noted that the Flightless Cormorant lost their ability to fly about 2 miullion years ago.  The last penguin ancestor that could fly was about 60 million years ago \u2014 the age of dinosaurs.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL54-.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Dove\" data-caption-desc=\"ENDEMIC. Genetic studies show that the Gal\u00e1pagos dove has diverged sufficiently from its closest relatives, indicating a long period of independent evolution.\" data-attachment-id=\"1373\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"ENDEMIC. Genetic studies show that the Gal\u00e1pagos dove has diverged sufficiently from its closest relatives, indicating a long period of independent evolution.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL54-\/139028318.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Dove<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">ENDEMIC. Genetic studies show that the Gal\u00e1pagos dove has diverged sufficiently from its closest relatives, indicating a long period of independent evolution.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL55-.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Lava Heron\" data-caption-desc=\"ENDEMIC. Island isolation has allowed the lava heron to evolve independently, free from competition and predation from mainland species. Over time, the lava heron has developed physical traits suited to its habitat, such as shorter legs and a more compact body, which aid in navigating rocky terrains and hunting in shallow waters.\" data-attachment-id=\"1372\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"ENDEMIC. Island isolation has allowed the lava heron to evolve independently, free from competition and predation from mainland species. Over time, the lava heron has developed physical traits suited to its habitat, such as shorter legs and a more compact body, which aid in navigating rocky terrains and hunting in shallow waters.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL55-\/341138073.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Lava Heron<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">ENDEMIC. Island isolation has allowed the lava heron to evolve independently, free from competition and predation from mainland species. Over time, the lava heron has developed physical traits suited to its habitat, such as shorter legs and a more compact body, which aid in navigating rocky terrains and hunting in shallow waters.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL56-0526.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Mockingbird\" data-caption-desc=\"ENDEMIC. Island isolation has allowed the lava heron to evolve independently, free from competition and predation from mainland species. As an example of adaptive radiation, different island populations of Gal\u00e1pagos mockingbirds exhibit variations in size, bill shape, and song patterns. These adaptations help them exploit different food sources and avoid competition with other species.\" data-attachment-id=\"1371\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"ENDEMIC. Island isolation has allowed the lava heron to evolve independently, free from competition and predation from mainland species. As an example of adaptive radiation, different island populations of Gal\u00e1pagos mockingbirds exhibit variations in size, bill shape, and song patterns. These adaptations help them exploit different food sources and avoid competition with other species.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL56-0526\/495382338.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Mockingbird<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">ENDEMIC. Island isolation has allowed the lava heron to evolve independently, free from competition and predation from mainland species. As an example of adaptive radiation, different island populations of Gal\u00e1pagos mockingbirds exhibit variations in size, bill shape, and song patterns. These adaptations help them exploit different food sources and avoid competition with other species.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL57-.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Great Blue Heron\" data-caption-desc=\"There are occasional sightings of\u00a0Great Blue Herons, likely vagrants or rare visitors from the mainland, but they don\u2019t have an established breeding population on the islands. If ytou look carefully, there is dinner in the birds beak.\" data-attachment-id=\"1370\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"There are occasional sightings of\u00a0Great Blue Herons, likely vagrants or rare visitors from the mainland, but they don\u2019t have an established breeding population on the islands. If ytou look carefully, there is dinner in the birds beak.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL57-\/745349399.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Great Blue Heron<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">There are occasional sightings of\u00a0Great Blue Herons, likely vagrants or rare visitors from the mainland, but they don\u2019t have an established breeding population on the islands. If ytou look carefully, there is dinner in the birds beak.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL58-2.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Brown Pelican\" data-caption-desc=\"Although not a species endemic to the Gal\u00e1pagos, they have adapted to the unique environment found there.\" data-attachment-id=\"1369\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Although not a species endemic to the Gal\u00e1pagos, they have adapted to the unique environment found there.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL58-2\/3648742484.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Brown Pelican<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Although not a species endemic to the Gal\u00e1pagos, they have adapted to the unique environment found there.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL59-.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Brown Pelican\" data-caption-desc=\"Specific behaviors, nesting habits, and dietary choices in the Gal\u00e1pagos can be influenced by the unique ecological conditions of the islands.\" data-attachment-id=\"1368\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Specific behaviors, nesting habits, and dietary choices in the Gal\u00e1pagos can be influenced by the unique ecological conditions of the islands.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL59-\/1430820533.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Brown Pelican<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Specific behaviors, nesting habits, and dietary choices in the Gal\u00e1pagos can be influenced by the unique ecological conditions of the islands.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL60-.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Brown Pelican\" data-caption-desc=\"While brown pelicans in some coastal areas may migrate seasonally, the Gal\u00e1pagos populations tend to remain resident, with local movements based on food availability rather than long-distance migration.\" data-attachment-id=\"1367\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"While brown pelicans in some coastal areas may migrate seasonally, the Gal\u00e1pagos populations tend to remain resident, with local movements based on food availability rather than long-distance migration.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL60-\/2043677521.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Brown Pelican<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">While brown pelicans in some coastal areas may migrate seasonally, the Gal\u00e1pagos populations tend to remain resident, with local movements based on food availability rather than long-distance migration.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL61-1805.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gull\" data-caption-desc=\"I found a species name once, lost it, and cannot find it again.\" data-attachment-id=\"1366\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"I found a species name once, lost it, and cannot find it again.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL61-1805\/1212163342.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gull<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">I found a species name once, lost it, and cannot find it again.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL62-.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Unknown Species\" data-caption-desc=\"I could not find it in online vbird identifiers.  It&#039;s pretty, though!ggg\" data-attachment-id=\"1365\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"I could not find it in online vbird identifiers.  It&#039;s pretty, though!ggg\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL62-\/1105752287.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Unknown Species<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">I could not find it in online vbird identifiers.  It's pretty, though!ggg<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL63-.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Giant Tortoise\" data-caption-desc=\"ENDEMIC, and one of the symbols and best-known animals in the Gal\u00e1pagos Islands. There is currently one species and a number of sub-species.  The multiple sub-species are an example of adaptive rediation.\" data-attachment-id=\"1364\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"ENDEMIC, and one of the symbols and best-known animals in the Gal\u00e1pagos Islands. There is currently one species and a number of sub-species.  The multiple sub-species are an example of adaptive rediation.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL63-\/1576291608.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Giant Tortoise<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">ENDEMIC, and one of the symbols and best-known animals in the Gal\u00e1pagos Islands. There is currently one species and a number of sub-species.  The multiple sub-species are an example of adaptive rediation.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL64-0453.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Giant Tortoise\" data-caption-desc=\"This particular tortoise (including the previous photo and the next one) is the &quot;Dome-Shaped&quot; Giant T.ortoise.  It lives in the &quot;highlands&quot; (approx 1000-1300 feet up old volcanoes) where there is ample vegetation on the ground. They can weigh 550 lbs, start reproducing at 30 years, and can live up to 160 yrs.  Over millions of years, they have evolved from a small tortoise from the mainland into massive herbivores.\" data-attachment-id=\"1363\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"This particular tortoise (including the previous photo and the next one) is the &quot;Dome-Shaped&quot; Giant T.ortoise.  It lives in the &quot;highlands&quot; (approx 1000-1300 feet up old volcanoes) where there is ample vegetation on the ground. They can weigh 550 lbs, start reproducing at 30 years, and can live up to 160 yrs.  Over millions of years, they have evolved from a small tortoise from the mainland into massive herbivores.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL64-0453\/4281037406.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Giant Tortoise<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">This particular tortoise (including the previous photo and the next one) is the \"Dome-Shaped\" Giant T.ortoise.  It lives in the \"highlands\" (approx 1000-1300 feet up old volcanoes) where there is ample vegetation on the ground. They can weigh 550 lbs, start reproducing at 30 years, and can live up to 160 yrs.  Over millions of years, they have evolved from a small tortoise from the mainland into massive herbivores.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL65-0456.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Giant Tortoise\" data-caption-desc=\"All tortoises are in fact turtles, but not all turtles are tortoises. Tortoises:are exclusively land creatures, have a much longer lifespan, and are vegetarians\" data-attachment-id=\"1362\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"All tortoises are in fact turtles, but not all turtles are tortoises. Tortoises:are exclusively land creatures, have a much longer lifespan, and are vegetarians\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL65-0456\/2190794068.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Giant Tortoise<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">All tortoises are in fact turtles, but not all turtles are tortoises. Tortoises:are exclusively land creatures, have a much longer lifespan, and are vegetarians<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL66-2703.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Giant Tortoise\" data-caption-desc=\"This is the Saddleback Giant Tortoise because of the shape of the shell behind the neck. They are mostly found in the drier lowlands of the islands where ground vegetation is limited.\" data-attachment-id=\"1361\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"This is the Saddleback Giant Tortoise because of the shape of the shell behind the neck. They are mostly found in the drier lowlands of the islands where ground vegetation is limited.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL66-2703\/1817736975.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Giant Tortoise<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">This is the Saddleback Giant Tortoise because of the shape of the shell behind the neck. They are mostly found in the drier lowlands of the islands where ground vegetation is limited.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL67-2706.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Giant Tortoise\" data-caption-desc=\"Their raised, saddle\u2013like shells and long limbs and neck are a benefit in reaching for food (prickly poear cactus) that is off the ground. .\" data-attachment-id=\"1360\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Their raised, saddle\u2013like shells and long limbs and neck are a benefit in reaching for food (prickly poear cactus) that is off the ground. .\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL67-2706\/300406789.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Giant Tortoise<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Their raised, saddle\u2013like shells and long limbs and neck are a benefit in reaching for food (prickly poear cactus) that is off the ground. .<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL68-0635.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Giant Tortoise\" data-caption-desc=\"The three photos of the Saddle-backs are not shown in their natural habitat because of the lush vegetation onn the ground.  Rather, the photos were also taken in the highlands at a breeding center.  In general, after reaching an age of five years, the tortoises are released to their natural habitats.\" data-attachment-id=\"1359\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"The three photos of the Saddle-backs are not shown in their natural habitat because of the lush vegetation onn the ground.  Rather, the photos were also taken in the highlands at a breeding center.  In general, after reaching an age of five years, the tortoises are released to their natural habitats.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL68-0635\/2888586694.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Giant Tortoise<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">The three photos of the Saddle-backs are not shown in their natural habitat because of the lush vegetation onn the ground.  Rather, the photos were also taken in the highlands at a breeding center.  In general, after reaching an age of five years, the tortoises are released to their natural habitats.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL69-1801.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Land Iguana\" data-caption-desc=\"ENDEMIC. They are physicallly larger than many other iguana species.  Adults can reach a length of 5 feet and can weigh up to 25-30 pounds.\" data-attachment-id=\"1358\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"ENDEMIC. They are physicallly larger than many other iguana species.  Adults can reach a length of 5 feet and can weigh up to 25-30 pounds.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL69-1801\/4227017188.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Land Iguana<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">ENDEMIC. They are physicallly larger than many other iguana species.  Adults can reach a length of 5 feet and can weigh up to 25-30 pounds.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL70-1818.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Land Iguana\" data-caption-desc=\"They primarily feed on available vegetation, but they favor prickly pear pads and fruits.  They have been seen rolling cactus pads on rocky ground to remove the spines.\" data-attachment-id=\"1357\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"They primarily feed on available vegetation, but they favor prickly pear pads and fruits.  They have been seen rolling cactus pads on rocky ground to remove the spines.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL70-1818\/893350684.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Land Iguana<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">They primarily feed on available vegetation, but they favor prickly pear pads and fruits.  They have been seen rolling cactus pads on rocky ground to remove the spines.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL71-1823.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Land Iguana\" data-attachment-id=\"1356\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL71-1823\/1686631137.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Land Iguana<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL72-0742.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Marine Iguana\" data-caption-desc=\"Charles Darwin famously referred to the\u00a0marine iguanas\u00a0of the Gal\u00e1pagos Islands as: \u201cimps of darkness.\u201d\rIn his journal,\u00a0The Voyage of the Beagle\u00a0(1839), he wrote:\r\u201cIt is a hideous-looking creature, of a dirty black colour, stupid, and sluggish in its movements.\u201d\" data-attachment-id=\"1355\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Charles Darwin famously referred to the\u00a0marine iguanas\u00a0of the Gal\u00e1pagos Islands as: \u201cimps of darkness.\u201d\rIn his journal,\u00a0The Voyage of the Beagle\u00a0(1839), he wrote:\r\u201cIt is a hideous-looking creature, of a dirty black colour, stupid, and sluggish in its movements.\u201d\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL72-0742\/3025333258.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Marine Iguana<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Charles Darwin famously referred to the\u00a0marine iguanas\u00a0of the Gal\u00e1pagos Islands as: \u201cimps of darkness.\u201d\rIn his journal,\u00a0The Voyage of the Beagle\u00a0(1839), he wrote:\r\u201cIt is a hideous-looking creature, of a dirty black colour, stupid, and sluggish in its movements.\u201d<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL73-1479.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Marine Iguana\" data-caption-desc=\"Despite his harsh words, Darwin was fascinated by the marine iguana\u2019s unique adaptations of swimming, diving for food, and their diet.\" data-attachment-id=\"1354\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Despite his harsh words, Darwin was fascinated by the marine iguana\u2019s unique adaptations of swimming, diving for food, and their diet.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL73-1479\/3478325556.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Marine Iguana<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Despite his harsh words, Darwin was fascinated by the marine iguana\u2019s unique adaptations of swimming, diving for food, and their diet.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL74-2789.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Marine Iguana\" data-caption-desc=\"When feeding, they can dive to 3-16 feet below the ocean&#039;s surface and scrape algae off the rocks with their specialized scraping teeth.\rThey can stay at depth for 5-10 minutes, but some reportedly have been observed for longer times. After a dive, being cold-blooded, they need to recover lost heat by laying in the sun, and on each other.\" data-attachment-id=\"1353\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"When feeding, they can dive to 3-16 feet below the ocean&#039;s surface and scrape algae off the rocks with their specialized scraping teeth.\rThey can stay at depth for 5-10 minutes, but some reportedly have been observed for longer times. After a dive, being cold-blooded, they need to recover lost heat by laying in the sun, and on each other.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL74-2789\/3902897645.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Marine Iguana<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">When feeding, they can dive to 3-16 feet below the ocean's surface and scrape algae off the rocks with their specialized scraping teeth.\rThey can stay at depth for 5-10 minutes, but some reportedly have been observed for longer times. After a dive, being cold-blooded, they need to recover lost heat by laying in the sun, and on each other.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL75-1265.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Marine Iguana\" data-caption-desc=\"Isabela Island is home to the largest marine iguanas\u2014males can exceed 5 feet. Genovesa Island (not visited) hosts some of the smallest marine iguanas, sometimes half the size of their Isabela cousins. This phenomenon is a classic example of \u201cisland gigantism and dwarfism\u201d, part of adaptive radiation. Marine iguana size varies significantly between islands (twice or half the size) due to differences in food availability, predation, and climate.\" data-attachment-id=\"1352\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Isabela Island is home to the largest marine iguanas\u2014males can exceed 5 feet. Genovesa Island (not visited) hosts some of the smallest marine iguanas, sometimes half the size of their Isabela cousins. This phenomenon is a classic example of \u201cisland gigantism and dwarfism\u201d, part of adaptive radiation. Marine iguana size varies significantly between islands (twice or half the size) due to differences in food availability, predation, and climate.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL75-1265\/1029226267.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Marine Iguana<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Isabela Island is home to the largest marine iguanas\u2014males can exceed 5 feet. Genovesa Island (not visited) hosts some of the smallest marine iguanas, sometimes half the size of their Isabela cousins. This phenomenon is a classic example of \u201cisland gigantism and dwarfism\u201d, part of adaptive radiation. Marine iguana size varies significantly between islands (twice or half the size) due to differences in food availability, predation, and climate.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL76-.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Marine Iguana\" data-caption-desc=\"With nothing further to share, I want to know what they all are looking at, and why does the Blue-footed Booby want to be part of the group?\" data-attachment-id=\"1351\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"With nothing further to share, I want to know what they all are looking at, and why does the Blue-footed Booby want to be part of the group?\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL76-\/977898124.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Marine Iguana<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">With nothing further to share, I want to know what they all are looking at, and why does the Blue-footed Booby want to be part of the group?<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL77-.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Sally Lightfoot Crab\" data-caption-desc=\"ENDEMIC. The Sally Lightfoot crab is a colorful and agile crab species commonly found along rocky shorelines, tide pools, and cliffs in the Gal\u00e1pagos Islands. They are fast and excellent climbers, which allows them to navigate the rocky surfaces of the islands. This adaptation helps them escape from predators and access food sources that may be out of reach for other animals.\" data-attachment-id=\"1350\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"ENDEMIC. The Sally Lightfoot crab is a colorful and agile crab species commonly found along rocky shorelines, tide pools, and cliffs in the Gal\u00e1pagos Islands. They are fast and excellent climbers, which allows them to navigate the rocky surfaces of the islands. This adaptation helps them escape from predators and access food sources that may be out of reach for other animals.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL77-\/643151691.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Sally Lightfoot Crab<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">ENDEMIC. The Sally Lightfoot crab is a colorful and agile crab species commonly found along rocky shorelines, tide pools, and cliffs in the Gal\u00e1pagos Islands. They are fast and excellent climbers, which allows them to navigate the rocky surfaces of the islands. This adaptation helps them escape from predators and access food sources that may be out of reach for other animals.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL78-2819.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Sally Lightfoot Crab\" data-caption-desc=\"This find was unusual in that it was far from the protection of a rocky shoreline. He was clearly perturbed by my presence, so I did not stay long.\" data-attachment-id=\"1349\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"This find was unusual in that it was far from the protection of a rocky shoreline. He was clearly perturbed by my presence, so I did not stay long.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL78-2819\/972026499.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Sally Lightfoot Crab<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">This find was unusual in that it was far from the protection of a rocky shoreline. He was clearly perturbed by my presence, so I did not stay long.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL79-2811.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Sally Lightfoot Crab\" data-caption-desc=\"A quick parting telephoto shot and he was off.\" data-attachment-id=\"1348\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"A quick parting telephoto shot and he was off.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL79-2811\/3746908248.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Sally Lightfoot Crab<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">A quick parting telephoto shot and he was off.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL80-2678.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Sea Lion\" data-caption-desc=\"ENDEMIC. Prickly pear cactus is found in coastal and lowland areas.  In addition to the Saddleback Giant Tortoises and Land Iguanas, Finches, Mockingbirds, and Doves feed on the flowers, fruit and seeds.  Prickly Pear Cactus can slowly grow up to 20-30\u2019 tall,flower at 50 years, and may live for another 150 years. Enough animal species depend on this cactus that if it were to disappear, the system would radically collapse. The Gal\u00e1pagos Prickly Pear Cactus is a vital component of the islands&#039; ecosystem. Its role as a food source, habitat provider, and contributor to soil health highlights its importance in maintaining the balance of the Gal\u00e1pagos environment.\" data-attachment-id=\"1347\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"ENDEMIC. Prickly pear cactus is found in coastal and lowland areas.  In addition to the Saddleback Giant Tortoises and Land Iguanas, Finches, Mockingbirds, and Doves feed on the flowers, fruit and seeds.  Prickly Pear Cactus can slowly grow up to 20-30\u2019 tall,flower at 50 years, and may live for another 150 years. Enough animal species depend on this cactus that if it were to disappear, the system would radically collapse. The Gal\u00e1pagos Prickly Pear Cactus is a vital component of the islands&#039; ecosystem. Its role as a food source, habitat provider, and contributor to soil health highlights its importance in maintaining the balance of the Gal\u00e1pagos environment.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL80-2678\/2695502426.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Sea Lion<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">ENDEMIC. Prickly pear cactus is found in coastal and lowland areas.  In addition to the Saddleback Giant Tortoises and Land Iguanas, Finches, Mockingbirds, and Doves feed on the flowers, fruit and seeds.  Prickly Pear Cactus can slowly grow up to 20-30\u2019 tall,flower at 50 years, and may live for another 150 years. Enough animal species depend on this cactus that if it were to disappear, the system would radically collapse. The Gal\u00e1pagos Prickly Pear Cactus is a vital component of the islands' ecosystem. Its role as a food source, habitat provider, and contributor to soil health highlights its importance in maintaining the balance of the Gal\u00e1pagos environment.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL81-0682.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Sea Lion\" data-caption-desc=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Sea Lions evolved to be generally smaller (half the size) than their California sea lion counterparts. They have a lighter, more slender body and a shorter snout compared to other sea lions.  Evolving to a smaller size is an example of Island Dwarfism (a Common Evolutionary Pattern) \u2013 opposite of Island Giantism. In islands with limited resources, many species evolve to smaller sizes.In addition, smaller animals dissipate heat more effectively.\" data-attachment-id=\"1346\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Sea Lions evolved to be generally smaller (half the size) than their California sea lion counterparts. They have a lighter, more slender body and a shorter snout compared to other sea lions.  Evolving to a smaller size is an example of Island Dwarfism (a Common Evolutionary Pattern) \u2013 opposite of Island Giantism. In islands with limited resources, many species evolve to smaller sizes.In addition, smaller animals dissipate heat more effectively.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL81-0682\/2212549100.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Sea Lion<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Gal\u00e1pagos Sea Lions evolved to be generally smaller (half the size) than their California sea lion counterparts. They have a lighter, more slender body and a shorter snout compared to other sea lions.  Evolving to a smaller size is an example of Island Dwarfism (a Common Evolutionary Pattern) \u2013 opposite of Island Giantism. In islands with limited resources, many species evolve to smaller sizes.In addition, smaller animals dissipate heat more effectively.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL82-.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Sea Lion\" data-caption-desc=\"Sea lions are known for their social nature and can often be seen lounging in large groups on beaches and rocky shores. They exhibit playful behavior, both on land and in the water, and are known to interact with each other and with humans.  As former divers, we have experienced this playfulness over the coast of California and in Mexico&#039;s Sea of Cortez near La Paz.  In addition, we observed many of the same behaviors while snorkeling in the Gal\u00e1pagos Islands.\" data-attachment-id=\"1345\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Sea lions are known for their social nature and can often be seen lounging in large groups on beaches and rocky shores. They exhibit playful behavior, both on land and in the water, and are known to interact with each other and with humans.  As former divers, we have experienced this playfulness over the coast of California and in Mexico&#039;s Sea of Cortez near La Paz.  In addition, we observed many of the same behaviors while snorkeling in the Gal\u00e1pagos Islands.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL82-\/1374422541.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Sea Lion<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Sea lions are known for their social nature and can often be seen lounging in large groups on beaches and rocky shores. They exhibit playful behavior, both on land and in the water, and are known to interact with each other and with humans.  As former divers, we have experienced this playfulness over the coast of California and in Mexico's Sea of Cortez near La Paz.  In addition, we observed many of the same behaviors while snorkeling in the Gal\u00e1pagos Islands.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL83-0705.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Sea Lion\" data-caption-desc=\"Playful. yes, but afternoon naps are a requirement . . . for many of us.\" data-attachment-id=\"1344\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Playful. yes, but afternoon naps are a requirement . . . for many of us.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL83-0705\/3078640399.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Sea Lion<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Playful. yes, but afternoon naps are a requirement . . . for many of us.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL84-0667.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Sea Lion\" data-caption-desc=\"&quot;Snout-lifting&quot; is a posture we frequently noticed. It is thought to be a resting pose to conservie energy\u00a0while staying semi-aware of surroundings. Or, it could also be a display of mael dominance.\" data-attachment-id=\"1343\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"&quot;Snout-lifting&quot; is a posture we frequently noticed. It is thought to be a resting pose to conservie energy\u00a0while staying semi-aware of surroundings. Or, it could also be a display of mael dominance.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL84-0667\/3823313100.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Sea Lion<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">\"Snout-lifting\" is a posture we frequently noticed. It is thought to be a resting pose to conservie energy\u00a0while staying semi-aware of surroundings. Or, it could also be a display of mael dominance.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL85-0720.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Sea Lion\" data-caption-desc=\"Another behavior I frequently noticed was a sea lion walking (waddling?) up to the water, then laying down in a streamlined position like a torpedo.  When a sufficiently large wave would come in, submergine the sea lion, he would take off like a torpedo.\" data-attachment-id=\"1342\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"Another behavior I frequently noticed was a sea lion walking (waddling?) up to the water, then laying down in a streamlined position like a torpedo.  When a sufficiently large wave would come in, submergine the sea lion, he would take off like a torpedo.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL85-0720\/1851241097.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Sea Lion<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">Another behavior I frequently noticed was a sea lion walking (waddling?) up to the water, then laying down in a streamlined position like a torpedo.  When a sufficiently large wave would come in, submergine the sea lion, he would take off like a torpedo.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL86-.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Gal\u00e1pagos Sea Lion\" data-caption-desc=\"A young one nursing on North Seymour Island.\" data-attachment-id=\"1341\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"A young one nursing on North Seymour Island.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL86-\/563933457.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Gal\u00e1pagos Sea Lion<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">A young one nursing on North Seymour Island.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL87-2843.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Sting Rays\" data-caption-desc=\"In quiet, calm  bays of the Galapagos, mangroves provide a refuge and nursery for fishes, young sea turtles, sting rays, &amp;amp; reef sharks, and a nesting area for herons &amp;amp; pelicans.\rWe were able to see a significant amount of underwater life from the panga boats. This picture shows a group of rays, almost &quot;flying in formation&quot;.\" data-attachment-id=\"1340\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"In quiet, calm  bays of the Galapagos, mangroves provide a refuge and nursery for fishes, young sea turtles, sting rays, &amp;amp; reef sharks, and a nesting area for herons &amp;amp; pelicans.\rWe were able to see a significant amount of underwater life from the panga boats. This picture shows a group of rays, almost &quot;flying in formation&quot;.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL87-2843\/1343908976.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Sting Rays<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">In quiet, calm  bays of the Galapagos, mangroves provide a refuge and nursery for fishes, young sea turtles, sting rays, &amp; reef sharks, and a nesting area for herons &amp; pelicans.\rWe were able to see a significant amount of underwater life from the panga boats. This picture shows a group of rays, almost \"flying in formation\".<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL88-2835.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Eagle Ray\" data-caption-desc=\"The eagle ray was a special find as we have seen many of them while scuba diving.  They are much less common than many rays, and most of time, as in this photo, they are swimming aqay from you.\" data-attachment-id=\"1339\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"The eagle ray was a special find as we have seen many of them while scuba diving.  They are much less common than many rays, and most of time, as in this photo, they are swimming aqay from you.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL88-2835\/2477827588.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Eagle Ray<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">The eagle ray was a special find as we have seen many of them while scuba diving.  They are much less common than many rays, and most of time, as in this photo, they are swimming aqay from you.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL89-2849.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Sea Turtle\" data-caption-desc=\"We saw a number of sea turtles swimming just under the surface, but unlike the fishes, they have to come up for air.  We also saw a number of small sharks, although they tended to be quick glances.   All of these animals and more we viewed while snorkeling, but unfortunately, we have no underwater pictures.\" data-attachment-id=\"1338\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"We saw a number of sea turtles swimming just under the surface, but unlike the fishes, they have to come up for air.  We also saw a number of small sharks, although they tended to be quick glances.   All of these animals and more we viewed while snorkeling, but unfortunately, we have no underwater pictures.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL89-2849\/2502000620.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Sea Turtle<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">We saw a number of sea turtles swimming just under the surface, but unlike the fishes, they have to come up for air.  We also saw a number of small sharks, although they tended to be quick glances.   All of these animals and more we viewed while snorkeling, but unfortunately, we have no underwater pictures.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fg-item fg-type-image fg-idle\"><figure class=\"fg-item-inner\"><a href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/09\/GL90-2928.jpg\" data-caption-title=\"Farewell\" data-caption-desc=\"As the sun sets, we bid you adieu!  Sandy and I hope you enjoyed a photographic taste of the Gal\u00e1p[agos Islands.\" data-attachment-id=\"1337\" data-type=\"image\" class=\"fg-thumb\"><span class=\"fg-image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\" title=\"As the sun sets, we bid you adieu!  Sandy and I hope you enjoyed a photographic taste of the Gal\u00e1p[agos Islands.\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" class=\"skip-lazy fg-image\" data-src-fg=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/wp-content\/uploads\/cache\/2025\/09\/GL90-2928\/61552726.jpg\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns%3D%22http%3A%2F%2Fwww.w3.org%2F2000%2Fsvg%22%20width%3D%22150%22%20height%3D%22150%22%20viewBox%3D%220%200%20150%20150%22%3E%3C%2Fsvg%3E\" loading=\"eager\"><\/span><span class=\"fg-image-overlay\"><\/span><\/a><figcaption class=\"fg-caption\"><div class=\"fg-caption-inner\"><div class=\"fg-caption-title\">Farewell<\/div><div class=\"fg-caption-desc\">As the sun sets, we bid you adieu!  Sandy and I hope you enjoyed a photographic taste of the Gal\u00e1p[agos Islands.<\/div><\/div><\/figcaption><\/figure><div class=\"fg-loader\"><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:38px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/billmiller.photography\/?page_id=1141\">International Travel<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Galapagos Islands, an archipelago located in the Pacific Ocean 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, are renowned for their unique [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-1144","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.5 - 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