Patti’s challenge this week is Nature. I have spent most of my spare time in nature – and that is where I belong. The Galapagos Islands have been a dream ever since I was a child.
And in 2016 we went for Ecuador, the Amazon and Galapagos.
As all 19 islands are of volcanic origin, every island is different and many of their inhabitants are endemic to just that island. Harsh nature, but life thrives.
Among cacti and volcanic ground, birds and plants can live their lives without human interference. As a child I thought this must be a true Paradise.
In fact it is. Here you come close to nature and the animals, because they are not afraid of humans – they have no reason to be.
You can watch them hunt…like this Yellow -crowned night heron,
and fight – be it the giant land iguanas (stay clear here!)…
or the graceful Swallow-tailed Gulls.
Red-footed Boobies
The birds also allow you to watch them building their nests. I was 10 centimeters from the Red-footed Boobies – and they just kept courting and building without minding me.
The Marine Iguanas displayed their grandest costumes while sunbathing…
…and even let you get close-ups while lying on the ground, contemplating life.
It is the co-existing human – nature that fascinates me. It could be so easy…but we humans make it so difficult…
Why not walk the endless beaches together? There is room for us, if we only let there be…
If we are respectful,
and stay 2 meters away (the limit here on the islands),
then the animals might even come up to you. We are all curious creatures if we have nothing to fear. One of Nature’s little wonders – my favorite..
…the simple beauty of a Mockingbird
So, if you tread lightly and show respect…
we can live together, love together, and let Mother Nature thrive.
I will always love these islands – where Nature rules, and man is only a grateful guest.
Thank you to Patti for this wonderful challenge – and for the chance to present my view of Paradise.
Leya 
really amazing nature
It is, thank you.
Great photos! Thank you for sharing!
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These photos are truly amazing! The composition is wonderful!
Thank you very much for your nice comment!
wow!
Very good pictures.I most like ”Swallow-tailed Gulls”.
Have a good weekend!
/Skvitt
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Jus too wonderful for words, thank you for sharing.
I am happy to share Nature with you!
Wonderful pics. I’m glad you got to fulfill that childhood dream of going there. The pelicans at the fishermen’s take made me laugh – a scene I’ve watched play out here in Australia, only the pelicans are white. Obviously the same under the feathers 🙂
Glad you enjoyed the trip with me! And yes – I think we all are the same under our feathers…
Beautiful series! Those iguanas are something else!
Thank you very much – glad you liked the Iguanas. I love them!
Nice to share
Splendid nature images, Ann-Christine! I especially liked the seal by the stop sign and the pelican standing so close to the photographer.
Glad to share with you – and I love that seal too!
Wonderful images Anne-Christine.
Glad you enjoyed them, Rupali!
Oh, A-C, thank you SO much for sharing these photos and your commentary. What a wonderful place and fascinating inhabitants.
janet
Thank you for your love of it! Those islands will always stay close to my heart.
Your take on the world is always beautiful, hon. Always aware of the amazing gifts we can share. 🙂 🙂
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Wonderful photos, Anne-Christine. These are the images I could only see when we watch the nature video. How marvelous to be there in person. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
Thank you for loving and commenting! It is always a dream to see what you love in reality. I am very grateful, and glad to share it with you!
I know what it means, Anne-Christine. I feel great to blog and share in this community. I’m not as outgoing as in my younger age, so this is great for me to keep active!
It is the same for me, Miriam.
We’re in good company, Anne-Christine!
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Wonderful. ❤ I've often wondered about these islands as well. Have you read the novel Galapagos by Kurt Vonnegut? It takes place there but I wonder how factual it is. I enjoy his style very much. As for the bird that came to check you out – imagine that! You must have seen some kind of benign dragon to that bird. 😉
Well, I did not read Vonnegut’s novel, but two other novels written about and by people who once lived on the islands. Very interesting. John Treherne, ”The Galapagos Affair”, about an excentric family who wanted to start a new life there – ended in murders and darkness of the souls. And – I have always wanted to be a dragon!
Wonderful post and beautiful images Leya. A magical place.
Yes…a magical place. I often think about it – if I really was there? That is the way it works with dreams, isn’t it.
It is.
Thank you for taking us with you! The images are spectacular and your words heart warming. You are so right, it’s not hard – we just need respect.
I am so glad you agree with my thoughts! And so happy you came along with me. Respect is a good thing.
It sure is. You’re very welcome.
So beautiful and touching to see birds and creatures co-existing with human. That is where paradise is.
Thank you, Ann-Christine for sharing these special moments. The first shot is stunning.
Glad to share, Amy! No lush islands, but at sea the sky is incredibly alive – especially in the evenings. The beauty lies in the concept, the idea of a free world and an animal sanctuary.
Wonderful post! I really agree with you: why we make it so difficult? Your pictures are heartwarming!
You make me happy with your comment! Thanks!
Absolutely amazing
Glad you love it too, Pauline! Not as lush as your garden though!
Very beautiful photos. I love that scenes, with the animals so close to humans and not being afraid of us. It’s so difficult to see that!
Yes, it is difficult to find such places – but when you do, it is Paradise!
Gorgeous post, AC! I knew you were working on a special post, given your love of nature and I wasn’t disappointed!! I can see why you love this special place.
I am so glad you can see my love shining through! The islands are beautiful in another way than Fiji, for example. Rather rough than lush.
Definitely.
These amazing photos capture so well your unique experience and reflections. I coud feel that indeed Nature was cared for and protected, and humans behaved as respectful guests.
Very beautiful post.
True about respect and protected – but they need guards all the time to follow up and be vigilant! But most people visiting are very much Nature lovers who would not dream of littering or disturbing.
What amazing captures! 🙂
Glad you like them! Thank you!
Such an amazing place AC, your photos are wonderful. Here’s to a world of peaceful coexistence! And your opening image is magnificent
Thank you so much Tina, your comments are precious! Cheers!
An amazing collection Leya. Love the photo of the gulls the best.
Thank you, Colline! They were very beautiful but extremely noisy and fighting!
That is probably the most beautiful thing I have ever seen.
Oh, Gavin, what a lovely comment! ♥
I am truly amazed by these photos
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Your beautiful photos from Galápagos Islands reminded me of my visit there.
Glad you were there too!
What a wonderful and delightful post Ann-Christine. Am so jealous 🙂
Thank you, but you seem to live right in it yourself – pure nature! Glad you joined me!
Beautiful pictures 💕
Thank you very much – glad to share!
Ah, I was waiting for your post Ann Christine….I knew it would be full of thoughts and images of nature, and you have not disappointed! What fabulous places and creatures you have seen!
Sue, that was a dream for two whole weeks!
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You have fantastic photos! 👍🏼
Thank you for a lovely comment!