Claude Ostfeld
11-27-2010, 07:35 PM
The Waved Albatross (Phoebastria irrorata) is also known as the Galapagos Albatross that breeds only on Espanola Island (though there have been a few sightings on other islands of the Galapagos). It is the only albatross that breeds at tropical latitudes. During the non-breeding season the Waved Albatross lives and feeds near the coastal areas of Ecuador and Peru. They are best known for their long flights which seem effortless (they tend to glide). Takeoffs and landings are difficult and lack grace (some landings will require 4 or 5 attempts) because of their enormous wingspan (7.5 ft - 2.4 mt) and light thin body (3.5 kg - 7.5 lbs). Couples will mate year after year unless one of the two were to die and their courting ritual seems to us to be a ritual like dance.
Punta Suarez on Espanola Island has some of the more difficult lava paths of the Galapagos. All visitors must stay on pre-defined paths which generally are just marked with two white tipped green 12 inch wooden poles hammered into the ground on each side. The terrain requires a lot attention and heavy camera bags and loads of equipment should be avoided even if you are well trained. Falling on the lava is no fun at all. That is why I had a light camera and a relatively light lens.
Nikon D300s
18-200mm f3.5-5.6
200mm
1/320
f/9
ISO 200
+0.3 EV
No Flash
Manual
Date and Time (Original) 2010:08:23 05:15:36 AM
Punta Suarez on Espanola Island has some of the more difficult lava paths of the Galapagos. All visitors must stay on pre-defined paths which generally are just marked with two white tipped green 12 inch wooden poles hammered into the ground on each side. The terrain requires a lot attention and heavy camera bags and loads of equipment should be avoided even if you are well trained. Falling on the lava is no fun at all. That is why I had a light camera and a relatively light lens.
Nikon D300s
18-200mm f3.5-5.6
200mm
1/320
f/9
ISO 200
+0.3 EV
No Flash
Manual
Date and Time (Original) 2010:08:23 05:15:36 AM