Of the three different booby species that I photographed in the Galapagos Islands, the Nazca booby was by far the most common. This guy, in fact, was the first individual bird of any species that I encountered on day one in the islands. He seemed as curious about me as I was about him. Nazca boobies practice what is called obligate siblicide. What is obligate siblicide? I’ll let Wikipedia explain — “Mothers lay two eggs, several days apart. If both eggs hatch, the elder chick pushes its sibling out of the nest area, leaving it to die of thirst or cold. The parent booby cannot intervene and the younger chick inevitably dies. Two eggs are laid so that if one gets destroyed or eaten, or the first chick dies soon after hatching, the second egg will produce an offspring.” Life clearly ain’t easy for a young booby. Nikon D800 with Nikkor 17-35mm lens (at 19mm) ISO 800, f/4 at 1/8000th of a second
Great shot. He looks very quizzacle, Very humerous.
You got him at the best moment. Animals & Kids only give you one shot.
Keep them coming, they are a great way of giving the head a break from the dreaded keyboard etc.
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Of the three different booby species that I photographed in the Galapagos Islands, the Nazca booby was by far the most common. This guy, in fact, was the first individual bird of any species that I encountered on day one in the islands. He seemed as curious about me as I was about him. Nazca boobies practice what is called obligate siblicide. What is obligate siblicide? I’ll let Wikipedia explain — “Mothers lay two eggs, several days apart. If both eggs hatch, the elder chick pushes its sibling out of the nest area, leaving it to die of thirst or cold. The parent booby cannot intervene and the younger chick inevitably dies. Two eggs are laid so that if one gets destroyed or eaten, or the first chick dies soon after hatching, the second egg will produce an offspring.” Life clearly ain’t easy for a young booby.
great pic.looks like he is ready to go space walk tom the moon.
Tilt and lean to see—-What do you intend am I safe—-Trust comes with uncertain feet
Phenomenal picture.
LOVE LOVE LOVE this!!! My new favorite for sure! The composition, the colors, the light, the booby! Great photo!!
Thanks Amanda. I was quite partial to this guy too. As if he was graciously welcoming me to the islands.
What a great photo and a sad little story.
I love the stare-down.
The story is a little sad.
Poor boobies : (
No doubt, it’s a cruel world for the little boobies.
Great Shot
Great shot. He looks very quizzacle, Very humerous.
You got him at the best moment. Animals & Kids only give you one shot.
Keep them coming, they are a great way of giving the head a break from the dreaded keyboard etc.