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The evolution of mammals into sea creatures fascinates scientists, but none seems to create as much controversy as the seals and sea lions. A lot of scientists believe the two evolved completely separately. The seal and sea lion families are different in many ways. Sea lions have developed, noticeable ears, while seal do not. The two also have very different flipper systems. Because of this, seals cannot really walk on land; they just kind of bounce their blubber forward. Sea Lions, like the California Sea Lions hanging out on the rocks beside us, evolved their land walking abilities relatively intact.
Our boat reaches the small islet called Los Islotes, which is filled with mating blue-footed boobies. These birds virtually symbolize the coastal waters of western Latin America. They spend most of their lives at sea, but come to these isolated islands to mate and lay their eggs. Their famously aqua feet are used to wrap, warm and hide their eggs. Both mom and dad hold onto these delicate blue eggs with their feet. When the young booby is about the hatch, they place the egg on top of their blue feet.
We notice some of the boobies enduring some sort of strange ritual of courtship. The males place their wide blue feet high in the air, facing the female while switching from foot to foot. Meanwhile, the female cranes her neck out and faces the sky. In turn, the male does the same and whistles at the heavens.
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Shrimp trawlers off the coast of La Paz
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