Isla de la Plata is a small island of 6 km2 off Ecuador's central coast. Part of Machalilla National Park, the uninhabited island features beaches, headlands and shrubland. It is known for its many marine birds, like blue-footed and masked boobies, plus Galapagos albatrosses. Trails run from Drake Bay to sheer clifftops overlooking waters that attract manta rays and migratory humpback whales. Unlike Isla del Cocos, Isla de la Plata is completely dry, with not much green vegetation.
We came ashore at the Ranger Post, then walked up a path and steps, through dry forest, until we emerged at the top of the island. There was little to see on the way up, but once we descended on the other side of the island it was pure magic. Hundreds of nesting Blue Footed Boobies and their chicks. It was possible to approach within a few meters of the birds. The Albatross walk was out of bounds as we would have disturbed the Albatrosses - seems Boobies are less fussy when nesting
We had seen Blue Footed Boobies before further south along the South American coast, and I am quite a fan of said birds. They are very photogenic, and whilst they look a little fierce, they are happy for one to approach. As the birds were breeding, there was everything from birds sitting on eggs, through day old chick, to chicks about to fly the nest.
There were turtles and fish attracted to moored fishing boats when we left the island. I am always proud to get anything other than an empty pool of water when I attempt such shots
Click on any of the thumbnails to get a bigger version of the picture
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