Bird's Eye Gallery
Fine Art Photography of the Natural World
Micah "Doc" Daugherty
Bird's Eye Gallery
Fine Art Photography of the Natural World
Micah "Doc" Daugherty
IN THE FIELD - The Galápagos
The Galápagos Islands are a volcanic archipelago in the Pacific Ocean, renowned for their unique and diverse wildlife, many species of which are found nowhere else on Earth. Located about 600 miles off the coast of Ecuador, the islands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a National Park, attracting tourists and scientists alike.
The islands are part of the Galápagos Province of the Republic of Ecuador and has a population slightly over 33,000. The province is divided into the cantons of San Cristóbal, Santa Cruz, and Isabela, the three most populated islands in the chain. The Galápagos are famous for their large number of endemic species, which were studied by Charles Darwin in the 1830s and inspired his Theory of Evolution by means of natural selection. All of these islands are protected as part of Ecuador's Galápagos National Park and Marine Reserve.
The Galápagos Islands are named for their giant tortoises, which were abundant when the islands were discovered. The Galápagos name was derived from the pre-Roman Iberian word galápago, which means turtle.
The Galapagos Islands are home to a remarkably high number of endemic species. Approximately 80% of land birds, 97% of reptiles and land mammals, and over 30% of plants are found nowhere else but the Galapagos. This includes around 20 out of 22 reptile species, 5 out of 6 land mammals, and 22 out of 29 land bird species. In total, over 1,500 species of fauna are endemic to the islands.
On the Galápagos page, I highlight several species that call The Galápagos home. On this page, I wanted to showcase some of the "behind the scenes" images of this amazing adventure.
Travel Companion
My backpack has seen a LOT of "action"... camera action that is. Here, on the shores of Isabella Island in The Galápagos, it was about to see something that it hasn't seen before!
Just Chillin'
As I made my way down the beach with camera in hand, two Galágapos Sea Lions emerged from the water, scooted up next to our equipment (and my backpack), and decided to plop down for a nap!
"There's nothing like being a pillow"! If my backpack were alive, this is what would've been going through its mind... it was going through mine for sure.
Making Friends With The Natives
These Galápagos Sea Lions didn't seem to mind making new friends with the other photographers and crew. It was comical to watch how they interacted with all of us, and at times even posed for some close-up shots!
Needing A Little Focus
That quizzical look on Alley's face tells me that she's lost her "focus" on the task at hand. LOL!
Naturalists and Photographers - Galápagos Expedition
Having the opportunity to work closely with the naturalists and other photographers on the Galápagos expedition was truly amazing. We learned a lot about this beautiful volcanic archipelago, as well as honing our skills at wildlife and landscape photography.
Coffee Makes The World Go Around
Before visiting the Galápagos Giant Tortoises on Santa Cruz Island, we had the opportunity to visit a cacao farm. Cacao beans, when harvested, roasted, and ground, are the main ingredients for a VERY special and magical elixir called COFFEE! This was a fun and educational experience at the cacao farm... and the end product was really tasty as well.
On the Taura River - Ecuador
Before the Galápagos, we spent a few days in Guayaquil, Ecuador... our adventure and a NEW friendship began there. In this photo, we are trolling the Taura River in the Churute Mangroves Ecological Reserve looking for wildlife and enjoying the scenery.
Eddie
Local Fruit Stand
In the photo to the left, Alley gives a sheepish smile as we journey through th Churute Reserve. To the left of her is our new friend, Eddie Manases. Eddie was our guide through the Churute Reserve... he is a local Ecuadorian, a photographer, and now a friend. Eddie and I stay in touch today, even after the years since our visit to Ecuador and The Galápagos.
In the photo to the right is a photo of the owner of a roadside fruit stand where we stopped with Eddie to buy some provisions for the day. There is nothing like fresh local fruit straight from the farm. Alley asked for fresh pineapple... and the running joke became, "Piña for the Niña" (loosely translated, Pineapple for the Baby Girl).
Selfie With A Feathered Friend
During our last stop in The Galápagos (Genovesa Island), I had the unique experience of taking a selfie with a Nazca Booby. The birds of The Galápagos have no real predators and they don't see humans as a threat. In fact, I believe the birds of the islands are just as curious about us as we are of them. One Nazca Booby walked down the pathway between all of us on this excursion, and just looked at us as we looked upon it with amazement of its lack of fear. This was an awesome experience that I hope we have the opportunity to do again someday.
Zodiacs
Our "Home" For The Week
Our "home" during our week-long trip around The Galápagos Islands was the National Geographic Endeavor II (pictured above right). Each day as we embarked on a journey to various islands within the archipelago, we motored to the shorelines of the islands on zodiacs (pictured above left).