Ecuador Galápagos Archipelago 26th April to 5th May 2018 (10 days) Trip Report

Waved Albatross by Dušan Brinkhuizen

Trip report compiled by Tour Leader: Dušan Brinkhuizen

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Tour Summary

Rockjumper’s amazing Galápagos adventure started at the airport of San Cristobál – the easternmost island of the archipelago. Our first of the trip was a stunning Mangrove Warbler hopping in the arrivals hall! Mangrove Warbler is a split from American Yellow Warbler and the distinct race aureola is only found in the Galápagos and Cocos Island. Some people saw the first Darwin’s finches from the bus during a short drive to our hotel in town. After a delicious lunch in a restaurant (lots of fresh available on the islands!), we started our afternoon excursion to the highlands of San Cristobál. The walk up to El Junco lagoon was scenic. We got close encounters with Grey Warbler-Finch of the San Cristobál race and also identified our first Small and Medium Ground Finches. We got to the lake just before a thick ocean mist came in. The crater lake was formed by the collapsed caldera of a volcano and is the only freshwater site on the island. It’s a great place to watch Magnificent Frigatebirds come to drink in an almost surreal setting. It was Steve that picked out a female Great Frigatebird – a scarcer here – that we identified by the red eye-ring. White- Grey Warbler-Finch by Dušan cheeked Pintails with ducklings were present on the lake, as Brinkhuizen well as a few Common Gallinules. On our way down to the tortoise breeding centre, we stopped for our first San Cristobál Mockingbird perched on a wire. This endangered island endemic was our principal target for the afternoon. Shortly after, we watched more mockingbirds at the car park of La Galapaguera breeding centre. A Paint-billed Crake was briefly observed by a few people at a small pond along the trail. Luckily, it was Tyler that rediscovered the bird nearby and everybody was able to see this secretive species as it walked through the dense bushes. Dark-billed Cuckoo was another great bird that we got to see here. We then searched for Vegetarian Finch, but without success, as it was getting late. Back in the town of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno we had a nice dinner. We also picked up our snorkelling gear and swimsuits for the next day!

Today we visited the fantastic Española Island. Departing the harbour of Puerto Baquerizo Moreno, we got our first Lava and Lava Heron, both sought-after endemics. Two cracking Galápagos Petrels flew by our boat at close range shortly after departure! This Critically Endangered endemic is pelagic during the day but we still saw fair numbers of them. A Band-rumped Storm Petrel, another pelagic species, flew along with the boat and showed really well. Galápagos Shearwaters were a common sight at sea and we also got our first adult Waved Albatross on the Galápagos Petrel by Dušan Brinkhuizen way! At Gardner Island we did our first snorkelling

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excursion, which was fantastic. The highlight must have been the Galápagos Sea Lions that we played with up-close, but the great number of colourful fish was also amazing! A Lava Heron was also very approachable while snorkelling. Once we landed on Española, our endemic targets were observed fairly quickly. The Española Mockingbird greeted us at the beach and they were especially interested in Kani’s water bottle. A small family group of Galápagos Dove also showed well at close range. Actually, on Galápagos, almost all the wildlife is observed at close range: binoculars are often not needed! We had already seen Galápagos Hawk at Gardner, but another bird was perched at Punta Suarez. Española Cactus Finch was the final endemic that we needed here, and several were seen along the rocky trail to the albatross colony. The nesting at Punta Suarez were amazing, with Blue- footed and Nazca Boobies, Swallow-tailed Gull and Red-billed Tropicbirds all around us! However, the star bird must have been the Waved Albatross. This Critically Endangered near-endemic nests on Española in large numbers and the island holds about 99.9% of the entire world population (a few pairs nest on Isla de la Plata off mainland Ecuador). We got to see many adults at their nests, some displaying but also several of these majestic albatrosses in flight – a lifetime birding experience, without a doubt!

The following day we visited Punta Pitt, a remote site on the far eastern tip of San Crisóbal. We did not see many Waved Albatrosses by Jorn Zeiler seabirds like the day before, but at Kicker Rock we ran into a spectacular pod of Common Bottlenose Dolphins. At a scenic cliff locally named “the cathedral”, we watched a nice flock of Brown Noddies. A small rock at Punta Pitt was literally crowded with seabirds, including nesting Wedge-rumped Storm Petrels and Swallow-tailed . This is where we went into the water again, and the snorkelling was spectacular, possibly even better than the day before, with all the seabirds above our heads! Again, we played with Galápagos Sea Lions and the reef fish were just mind-blowing. After lunch on the boat, we did the scenic trail up to Punta Pitt. This is a key nesting site for Red-footed Boobies and we saw both white and brown morphs at their nests. Actually, all three booby species were available here for close viewing. The Blue-footed Boobies were actually blocking the trail with their nests! San Cristobál Mockingbirds were present in the scrub near the beach. On our way back an adult summer Franklin’s Gull flew along with our boat for a minute. After a nice dinner in town we visited the Galápagos Sea Lion harem, which was a very noisy, smelly and surreal scene! Semipalmated Plover and Yellow-crowned Night Heron were new birds added to the list after dusk.

Red-footed Booby by Dušan Brinkhuizen

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The following morning, we boarded a speedboat that brought us to . Pelagic birding was a little tough because of the speed, but we did stop for a few Waved Albatrosses and another pod of Common Bottlenose Dolphins. Our principal target for the morning was the exceedingly rare and localised Floreana "Charles" Mockingbird. Two tiny populations survive on the small satellite rocks of Champion and Gardner-by-Floreana. The species became extinct on mainland Floreana soon after Darwin collected it, mainly because of the introduction of rats and cats. We circumnavigated Champion Islet and it was Steve that spotted the first Floreana Mockingbird atop a cactus: two more adults popped up, all colour-banded, and everybody got excellent views of this rare endemic! We continued to the mainland, where we got a pleasant “chiva” truck drive up into the highlands. At the site called Asilo de la Paz, we quickly located the endemic Medium Tree Finch. Phenotypically the pair looked perfect for Medium, but recent hybridisation with Small Tree Finch has complicated the situation on the island in terms of identification. We also photographed a colour-banded individual, and researchers would probably be able to tell us the genetic composition of this particular bird. During our walk, we saw various Small and Medium Tree Finches, but also Galápagos Flycatchers. Christopher enjoyed a shaded seat below a tree and got a Dark-billed Cuckoo right above his head! Back in the small town of Floreana, we had a nice local lunch and Common Floreana Mockingbird by Dušan Cactus Finches showed well along the main street. In the Brinkhuizen afternoon, we continued to Isabela Island. Pelagic birding was good but also challenging, with a White- faced Storm Petrel swiftly seen by the tour leaders only. When we turned the boat we saw various Elliot’s Storm Petrels, Brown Noddies and Galápagos Shearwaters, but the rare White-faced was nowhere to be found. Further offshore, we stopped for a whale blow. We got incredible close-up looks of a huge whale that we later identified as Bryde's Whale on the basis of photos of the dorsal fin – a spectacular sight! In the late afternoon we reached Tortuga Island, where we got to see Swallow-tailed Gulls, lots of boobies and a nice Wandering Tattler. In the harbour of Puerto Villamil, we got a few Lava Gulls before it got dark.

In the early morning, we drove up into the highlands of southern Isabela to the Sierra Negra Volcano. Our principal target for the morning, Galápagos Crake, was heard soon after arrival. With careful help of a remote playback setup, we eventually lured the bird out in a small window that provided us with Galápagos Crake by Dušan Brinkhuizen excellent views of this elusive endemic! At another nearby spot, we suddenly watched an adult walk out in the open and some even got to see a chick! At the same site, we got to see our first Woodpecker Finch. This distinct finch proved to be

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fairly common along the trail up to the volcano crater. Green Warbler-Finch was another new addition to the growing list of seen endemics. The walk up to the crater was beautiful and we saw a lot of birds, including nesting Small Tree Finch and a curious pair of Galápagos Mockingbirds. Up at the spectacular caldera (the largest of all of the Galápagos volcanoes) there was no sign of Galápagos Martins and the Darwin’s Flycatcher was also nowhere to be found. Nevertheless, we really enjoyed the marvelous view of a moonlike landscape here. On our way back we kept looking for the flycatcher without success, but back at the parking it was Andres that had found a male lower down the road. It took a few minutes before we relocated the male Darwin’s Flycatcher but it eventually showed really well at the edge of a small open field. This species is a fairly recent split of Vermilion Flycatcher, and is also known as Little Vermilion Flycatcher. It is endemic to the Galápagos and is likely Critically Endangered, as numbers have dropped significantly over the last few years. The parasitic Philornis downsi fly is the most probable cause of the species’ Darwin’s Flycatcher by Dušan Brinkhuizen recent decline. Unfortunately, it seems that BirdLife International has not yet assessed its status. In the afternoon, we visited various wetlands just out of Puerto Villamil town. We added several new species to the list, including waders like Black- necked Stilt and Grey Plover, Great Blue Heron, Pied-billed Grebe and American Flamingo. The flamingos showed really well, especially along the beautiful boardwalk in the mangroves.

The following day, we did a remote boat trip to the western coast of Isabela. This is a key breeding area for both Galápagos Penguin and Flightless Cormorant. The journey was a little rough at times because of the waves and also a magical ocean mist took away our visibility for a while. A whale was briefly seen by few observers, and was most likely a Blue Whale – the world’s largest mammal! However, we lost track of the whale because a gigantic Whale Shark was breaching its fin right next to the boat! It was an incredible experience to have the world’s largest fish swimming right next to us. It was massive, with beautiful white spots, and the shark Whale Shark by Kah Heng Poon was probably even larger than our boat. The captain jumped into the water to get a video of this rare sighting and Andres followed (but he went out quickly as well!). Tyler got some awesome underwater footage from the boat with his GoPro set. After being with this incredible creature for about 20 minutes, we continued our journey along the desolate west coast of Isabela. Near Caleta Webb in the area of El Radar, we started to see our first

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Flightless Cormorants in the water – the largest species of cormorant in the world. We went into a shallow bay and both the Galápagos Penguin and Flightless Cormorant were present in small numbers, with cormorants nesting. The water was a little chilly but it was just awesome to snorkel with the penguins and cormorants. There were also plenty of neat fish, including large stingrays and a few Galápagos Green . We then travelled back slowly along the shore near El Radar (an old deserted military camp). Here we spotted Galápagos Martins, up to three adults in flight. This is one of the most enigmatic and tricky endemics that we really lucked into. The martins showed well in flight and some also briefly circled the boat. We had lunch at Cove, where we enjoyed more penguins and cormorants. Two Galápagos Hawks also showed nicely in flight. We spent the rest of the afternoon slowly travelling back to Puerto Villamil. Believe it or not, we ran into more Whale Sharks on our way back and got really nice views of these rare creatures! In the evening, we searched for owls at a mine and successfully found a perched Galápagos Short-eared Owl. This distinct race is still considered a subspecies by most authorities, but some do split it as a separate species.

A pleasant boat ride brought us to the island of Santa Cruz the following morning. Pelagic activity was slow Galápagos Penguin by Dušan Brinkhuizen but we did see a few Galápagos Petrels. After arrival in Puerto Ayora we checked into our hotel. After a short break, we drove up into the highlands of Santa Cruz with a comfortable bus. We visited the area of Los Gemelos, where we walked a trail through some beautiful mature Scalesia forest. Our principal target here was the tricky Large Tree Finch. There were many finches moving around in the forest, including Green Warbler-Finch, Woodpecker Finch and Small Tree Finch, but we had no sign of the target endemic. Suddenly, I heard a song that resembled Large Tree Finch and after tracking down the bird, we were able to positively identify it! The male was interested in our tape and showed really well for a prolonged time. We then continued to a lower elevation in the so-called transitional zone of El Chato tortoise ranch. Vegetarian Finch was the main target here but we had difficulties finding it. A bird was heard singing but, for some reason, did not show itself. We did get the spectacular Large Ground Finch along the trail, which was another new species for us. After lunch, we split up and continued the search for the Vegetarian Finch. Large Tree Finch by Dušan Brinkhuizen Eventually some great teamwork got us on an immature type bird – our final endemic of the trip, hooray! A little later, a male Vegetarian Finch showed itself even better, what a marvellous sighting indeed! On our way back to Puerto Ayora, we

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checked a few stake-outs for American Barn Owl. The distinct subspecies punctatissima is endemic to Galápagos and some authorities already split it as a separate species. At Narwhal, we got lucky and the owner of the restaurant let us climb the table in order to see the owl at its day-roost! Back in Puerto Ayora, we got some downtime and some enjoyed the afternoon fish market where Brown Pelicans, Great Blue Heron and Lava Gulls were part of the show. A fancy dinner at a nice restaurant was really enjoyed.

On our final morning, we visited the Charles Darwin Research Centre at the edge of town. To our surprise we ran into a few Vegetarian Finches – and that after so much work the day before! Large Ground Finches also showed well, as did a very obliging Galápagos Mockingbird. At a special temperature-regulated room, we watched the specimen of “Lonely George”, a species of Galápagos Giant Tortoise that passed away a few years ago. We also enjoyed watching the different species of tortoises that were being bred here. We saw tiny baby tortoises but also mature individuals of approximately 130 years, or even older. After a pleasant morning, we travelled to Baltra Airport to catch our flight. We had seen plenty of different races of endemic Marine during our tour but Baltra was our only shot at the Galápagos Land Iguana. Kani was lucky to spot one from the airport bus, and Steve and Pru found a nice one near the car park after check-in – a great ending to a superb trip to the Enchanted Islands of Ecuador! Vegetarian Finch by Dušan Brinkhuizen

The Galápagos Group by Nancy Letts

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Annotated List of species recorded Note: Number in brackets ( ) indicate number of days on the tour the species was recorded.

Birds (67 in total: 67 seen) Nomenclature and follows Gill, F and D Donsker (Eds). 2017. IOC World Bird List (v 7.3). Status codes: E = Endemic, NE = Near-endemic, I = Introduced IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient

Ducks, Geese, and Waterfowl Anatidae White-cheeked Pintail Anas bahamensis galapagensis (2) Laguna El Junco, San Cristóbal 27.4 and Humedales de Puerto Villamil, Isabela 1.5. Endemic subspecies. Adults were observed at various sites. Ducklings were seen at El Junco.

Penguins Spheniscidae Galápagos Penguin (EN) Spheniscus mendiculus (1) El Radar, Isabela 2.5 and Caleta Iguana 2.5. Endemic. Adults and juveniles were seen at rocky shores along the west coast of Isabela.

Austral Storm Petrels Oceanitidae Elliot's Storm Petrel (DD) Oceanites gracilis galapagoensis (5) San Cristóbal 28.4, San Cristóbal 29.4, At sea between Floreana and Isabela 30.4, At sea off Isabela 2.5 and At sea between Isabela and Santa Cruz 3.5. Fairly common in the Galápagos. Seen in the harbour of San Crisóbal but also off-shore. White-faced Storm Petrel Pelagodroma marina (1) At sea between Floreana and Isabela 30.4. A regular vagrant to Galápagos. Seen by tour leaders only.

Albatrosses Diomedeidae Waved Albatross (CR) Phoebastria irrorata (3) At sea between San Cristóbal and Española 28.4, Española 28.4, At sea between Floreana and Isabela 30.4 and At sea between Isabela and Santa Cruz 3.5. Near-endemic. Breeding adults were observed at close range at their nesting sites on Española. Various adults were also observed at sea.

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Northern Storm Petrels Hydrobatidae Wedge-rumped Storm Petrel Oceanodroma tethys tethys (5) At sea between San Cristóbal and Española 28.4, Punta Pitt, San Cristóbal 29.4, At sea between Floreana and Isabela 30.4, At sea off Isabela 2.5 and At sea between Isabela and Santa Cruz 3.5. Fairly common in the Galápagos. Typically more pelagic than Elliot's. An active colony was watched at close range at Punta Pitt. Band-rumped Storm Petrel Oceanodroma castro (1) At sea between San Cristóbal and Española 28.4. Scarce in the Galápagos and usually highly pelagic. A few were observed at sea and one was photographed at close range.

Shearwaters and Petrels Procellariidae Galápagos Petrel (CR) Pterodroma phaeopygia (5) At sea between San Cristóbal and Española 28.4, San Cristóbal 29.4, At sea between Floreana and Isabela 30.4, At sea off Isabela 2.5 and At sea between Isabela and Santa Cruz 3.5. Endemic. Small numbers of adults were seen at sea. Sometimes flying very close to the ship. Sooty Shearwater (NT) Ardenna grisea (1) At sea between Isabela and Santa Cruz 3.5. A single adult was briefly observed at sea. Galápagos Shearwater Puffinus subalaris (6) At sea between San Cristóbal and Española 28.4, San Cristóbal 29.4, At sea between Floreana and Isabela 30.4, At sea off Isabela 2.5, At sea between Isabela and Santa Cruz 3.5 and Isla Baltra 4.5. Endemic. Fairly common in the Galápagos. Good numbers were seen, almost daily. A few large flocks were observed at sea.

Grebes Podicipedidae Pied-billed Grebe Podilymbus podiceps (1) 2 Humedales de Puerto Villamil, Isabela 1.5. A vagrant to Galápagos. Possibly annual and possibly breeding here. Two adults were observed at a pond north of Puerto Villamil.

Flamingos Phoenicopteridae American Flamingo Phoenicopterus ruber (1) Humedales de Puerto Villamil, Isabela 1.5.

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Small numbers were observed at close range along the boardwalk of the wetlands in town.

Tropicbirds Phaethontidae Red-billed Tropicbird Phaethon aethereus mesonauta (3) Española 28.4, Punta Pitt, San Cristóbal 29.4 and At sea between Floreana and Isabela 30.4. Fairly common in the Galápagos. Adults were observed in small numbers at various sites.

Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns Ardeidae Yellow-crowned Night Heron Nyctanassa violacea pauper (5) San Cristóbal 29.4, Isla Floreana 30.4, Humedales de Puerto Villamil, Isabela 1.5, Puerto Villamil, Isabela 2.5 and Isla Santa Cruz--Puerto Ayora 3.5. Endemic subspecies. Adults and juveniles were seen at various locations. Lava Heron Butorides sundevalli (6) Española 28.4, San Cristóbal 28.4, San Cristóbal 29.4, Puerto Villamil, Isabela 30.4, Isla Floreana 30.4, Humedales de Puerto Villamil, Isabela 1.5, El Radar, Isabela 2.5, Puerto Villamil, Isabela 3.5 and Isla Santa Cruz--Puerto Ayora 3.5. Endemic. Small numbers were seen, mostly along the shore. Striated Heron Butorides striata striata (2) Humedales de Puerto Villamil, Isabela 1.5 and Puerto Villamil, Isabela 2.5. Uncommon resident in the Galápagos. Adults were seen at two locations in Puerto Villamil. Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis (3) Isla Floreana 30.4, Sierra Negra Volcano, Isabela 1.5, San Cristóbal 3.5 and Isla Santa Cruz--Puerto Ayora 3.5. Resident seen in small flocks typically foraging in pastures. Great Blue Heron Ardea herodias cognata (3) Humedales de Puerto Villamil, Isabela 1.5, Puerto Villamil, Isabela 3.5, Isla Santa Cruz--Puerto Ayora 3.5 and Charles Darwin Research Station, Santa Cruz 4.5. Endemic subspecies. Singletons were seen well at various sites. Great Egret Ardea alba egretta (1) San Cristóbal 29.4. Scarce resident. Observed in town.

Pelicans Pelecanidae Brown Pelican Pelecanus occidentalis urinator

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(7) Observed San Cristóbal 27-29.4, Española 28.4, Punta Pitt, San Cristóbal 29.4, Puerto Villamil, Isabela 30.4, Isla Floreana 30.4, Humedales de Puerto Villamil, Isabela 1.5, Caleta Iguana 2.5, At sea off Isabela 2.5, At sea between Isabela and Santa Cruz 3.5, Puerto Villamil, Isabela 3.5 and Isla Santa Cruz--Puerto Ayora 3.5. Endemic subspecies. Fairly common in the Galápagos.

Frigatebirds Fregatidae Fregata magnificens (7) Laguna El Junco, San Cristóbal 27.4, At sea between San Cristóbal and Española 28.4, Española 28.4, observed San Cristóbal 28-30.4, Punta Pitt, San Cristóbal 29.4, Puerto Villamil, Isabela 30.4, Isla Floreana 30.4, Humedales de Puerto Villamil, Isabela 1.5, At sea off Isabela 2.5, Puerto Villamil, Isabela 2.5, Puerto Villamil, Isabela 3.5, At sea between Isabela and Santa Cruz 3.5 and Isla Santa Cruz--Puerto Ayora 3.5. Common in the Galápagos. Great Frigatebird Fregata minor ridgwayi (2) 2 Laguna El Junco, San Cristóbal 27.4 and Punta Pitt, San Cristóbal 29.4. An adult female and a juvenile were observed at El Junco.

Boobies and Gannets Sulidae Blue-footed Booby Sula nebouxii excisa (6) Española 28.4, San Cristóbal 28.4, Punta Pitt, San Cristóbal 29.4, At sea between Floreana and Isabela 30.4, El Radar, Isabela 2.5, Caleta Iguana 2.5, At sea between Isabela and Santa Cruz 3.5 and Isla Baltra 4.5. Near-endemic. Fairly common in the Galápagos. Adults were seen at their nest sites (some with chicks) but also foraging at sea. Nazca Booby Sula granti (5) At sea between San Cristóbal and Española 28.4, Española 28.4, Punta Pitt, San Cristóbal 29.4, At sea between Floreana and Isabela 30.4, At sea off Isabela 2.5 and At sea between Isabela and Santa Cruz 3.5. Near-endemic. Fairly common in the Galápagos. Adults were seen at their nest sites (some with chicks) but also foraging at sea. Red-footed Booby Sula sula websteri (2) Punta Pitt, San Cristóbal 29.4 and At sea between Floreana and Isabela 30.4. Adults of both dark and light morph were seen at their nest sites at Punta Pitt. Some with chicks. Also observed at sea.

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Cormorants and Shags Phalacrocoracidae Flightless Cormorant (VU) Phalacrocorax harrisi (1) El Radar, Isabela 2.5 and Caleta Iguana 2.5. Endemic. Good numbers were observed at close range along the west coast of Isabela.

Hawks, Eagles, and Kites Accipitridae Galápagos Hawk (VU) Buteo galapagoensis (3) Española 28.4, 2 Sierra Negra Volcano, Isabela 1.5 and 2 Caleta Iguana 2.5. Endemic. A couple of birds were seen at various sites. Perched and in flight.

Rails, Gallinules, and Coots Rallidae Galápagos Crake (VU) Laterallus spilonota (1) Sierra Negra Volcano, Isabela 1.5. Endemic. Superb views of this shy and localised endemic up at the volcano. Paint-billed Crake Neocrex erythrops erythrops (2) La Galapaguera, San Cristóbal 27.4 and El Chato Tortoise Reserve, Santa Cruz 3.5. Adult birds were observed at two sites. Common Gallinule Gallinula galeata cachinnans (2) Laguna El Junco, San Cristóbal 27.4 and Humedales de Puerto Villamil, Isabela 1.5. Small numbers were observed at a few wetland sites.

Oystercatchers Haematopodidae American Oystercatcher Haematopus palliatus galapagensis (2) Española 28.4 and Humedales de Puerto Villamil, Isabela 1.5. Endemic subspecies. Observed at close range.

Stilts and Avocets Recurvirostridae Black-necked Stilt Himantopus mexicanus mexicanus (1) Humedales de Puerto Villamil, Isabela 1.5. Small numbers were seen in the wetlands of Puerto Villamil.

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Plovers and Lapwings Charadriidae Grey Plover Pluvialis squatarola cynosurae (1) Humedales de Puerto Villamil, Isabela 1.5. A couple were seen in the wetlands of Puerto Villamil. Semipalmated Plover Charadrius semipalmatus (1) San Cristóbal 29.4. Observed after dusk at the sealion roost.

Sandpipers and Allies Scolopacidae Whimbrel Numenius phaeopus hudsonicus (4) Puerto Villamil, Isabela 30.4, Humedales de Puerto Villamil, Isabela 1.5, Puerto Villamil, Isabela 2.5 and 1 heard Isla Santa Cruz--Puerto Ayora 3.5. Small numbers were seen at a few locations. Ruddy Turnstone Arenaria interpres morinella (2) Isla Floreana 30.4 and Humedales de Puerto Villamil, Isabela 1.5. Seen at a few sites. Wandering Tattler Tringa incana (2) Isla Tortuga 30.4 and Humedales de Puerto Villamil, Isabela 1.5. Adults were observed at two sites.

Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers Brown Noddy Anous stolidus galapagensis (6) At sea between San Cristóbal and Española 28.4, Española 28.4, Punta Pitt, San Cristóbal 29.4, San Cristóbal 29.4, At sea between Floreana and Isabela 30.4, Isla Tortuga 30.4, Caleta Iguana 2.5, At sea off Isabela 2.5, At sea between Isabela and Santa Cruz 3.5, Isla Santa Cruz--Puerto Ayora 3.5 and Isla Baltra 4.5. Endemic subspecies. Fairly common in the Galápagos. Flocks were present at various coastal sites. Feeding frenzies at sea were also observed. Swallow-tailed Gull Creagrus furcatus (3) Española 28.4, Punta Pitt, San Cristóbal 29.4, Isla Tortuga 30.4 and Isla Champion 30.4. Near-endemic. Fairly common in the Galápagos at coastal cliffs of certain islands. Lava Gull fuliginosus (6) San Cristóbal 28.4, Punta Pitt, San Cristóbal 29.4, Puerto Villamil, Isabela 30.4, Humedales de Puerto Villamil, Isabela 1.5, Puerto Villamil, Isabela 2.5 and Isla Santa Cruz--Puerto Ayora 3.5.

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Endemic. Adults and juveniles were seen at a few sites. Franklin's Gull Leucophaeus pipixcan (1) San Cristóbal 29.4. A single adult was photographed along the shore. Royal Tern maximus (1) Puerto Villamil, Isabela 2.5. A single adult was flying around in the harbour.

Pigeons and Doves Columbidae Galápagos Dove Zenaida galapagoensis galapagoensis (3) Española 28.4, Isla Champion 30.4 and Isla Baltra 4.5. Endemic. Seen well at three islands.

Cuckoos Cuculidae Smooth-billed Ani Crotophaga ani (5) San Cristóbal 27.4, Isla Floreana 30.4, Sierra Negra Volcano, Isabela 1.5, San Cristóbal 3.5 and Charles Darwin Research Station, Santa Cruz 4.5. Introduced species and fairly common. Dark-billed Cuckoo Coccyzus melacoryphus (2) La Galapaguera, San Cristóbal 27.4 and Isla Floreana 30.4. Adults were observed briefly at two sites.

Barn-Owls Tytonidae American Barn Owl Tyto furcata punctatissima (1) Narwhal restaurant, Santa Cruz 3.5. Endemic subspecies. A single adult was seen at its roost during the day.

Owls Strigidae Short-eared Owl Asio flammeus galapagoensis (1) Puerto Villamil, Isabela 2.5. Endemic subspecies. Seen after dusk north of town.

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Tyrant Flycatchers Tyrannidae Darwin's Flycatcher Pyrocephalus nanus (1) Sierra Negra Volcano, Isabela 1.5. Endemic. A male was observed at close range in the highlands. Galápagos Flycatcher Myiarchus magnirostris (6) La Galapaguera, San Cristóbal 27.4, Punta Pitt, San Cristóbal 29.4, Isla Floreana 30.4, Sierra Negra Volcano, Isabela 1.5, Isla Santa Cruz--Los Gemelos 3.5 and Charles Darwin Research Station, Santa Cruz 4.5. Endemic. Fairly common on various islands.

Swallows Hirundinidae Galápagos Martin (VU) Progne modesta (1) El Radar, Isabela 2.5. Endemic. Up to 3 birds were seen foraging along the rocky coast.

Mockingbirds and Thrashers Mimidae Galápagos Mockingbird Mimus parvulus parvulus (3) Sierra Negra Volcano, Isabela 1.5, Isla Santa Cruz--Los Gemelos 3.5 and Charles Darwin Research Station, Santa Cruz 4.5. Endemic. Small numbers were observed at two islands. Floreana Mockingbird (CR) Mimus trifasciatus (1) 3 Isla Champion 30.4. Endemic. 3 adults were observed perched on cacti. Española Mockingbird (VU) Mimus macdonaldi (1) Española 28.4. Endemic. Common on the island. San Cristobál Mockingbird (EN) Mimus melanotis (2) La Galapaguera, San Cristóbal 27.4 and Punta Pitt, San Cristóbal 29.4. Endemic. Small numbers were seen at two sites.

New World Warblers Parulidae Mangrove Warbler Setophaga petechia aureola (8) Observed San Cristóbal 27-29.4, Laguna El Junco, San Cristóbal 27.4, La Galapaguera, San

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Cristóbal 27.4, Isla Floreana 30.4, Humedales de Puerto Villamil, Isabela 1.5, Sierra Negra Volcano, Isabela 1.5, Puerto Villamil, Isabela 2.5, El Chato Tortoise Reserve, Santa Cruz 3.5, Isla Santa Cruz-- Los Gemelos 3.5, Isla Santa Cruz--Puerto Ayora 3.5 and Charles Darwin Research Station, Santa Cruz 4.5. Near endemic subspecies. A common resident in a variety of habitats.

Tanagers and Allies Thraupidae Large Ground Finch Geospiza magnirostris (2) El Chato Tortoise Reserve, Santa Cruz 3.5 and Charles Darwin Research Station, Santa Cruz 4.5. Endemic. Small numbers were seen on Santa Cruz. Espanola Cactus Finch Geospiza conirostris (1) Española 28.4. Endemic. Common but restricted to this single island. Medium Ground Finch Geospiza fortis (5) Laguna El Junco, San Cristóbal 27.4, La Galapaguera, San Cristóbal 27.4, Punta Pitt, San Cristóbal 29.4, Isla Floreana 30.4, Sierra Negra Volcano, Isabela 1.5 and El Chato Tortoise Reserve, Santa Cruz 3.5. Endemic. Fairly common and widespread. Small Ground Finch Geospiza fuliginosa (8) San Cristóbal 27.4, San Cristóbal 28.4, Laguna El Junco, San Cristóbal 27.4, La Galapaguera, San Cristóbal 27.4, Española 28.4, Punta Pitt, San Cristóbal 29.4, Isla Floreana 30.4, Sierra Negra Volcano, Isabela 1.5, Puerto Villamil, Isabela 2.5, El Chato Tortoise Reserve, Santa Cruz 3.5 and Charles Darwin Research Station, Santa Cruz 4.5. Endemic. Generally common and widespread. Common Cactus Finch Geospiza scandens intermedia (2) Isla Floreana 30.4 and Charles Darwin Research Station, Santa Cruz 4.5. Endemic. Small numbers were observed in the coastal lowlands of two islands. Vegetarian Finch Platyspiza crassirostris (2) 2 El Chato Tortoise Reserve, Santa Cruz 3.5 and Charles Darwin Research Station, Santa Cruz 4.5. Endemic. A scarce species seen well at two sites. Large Tree Finch Camarhynchus psittacula psittacula (1) Isla Santa Cruz--Los Gemelos 3.5. Endemic. A single male was observed in response to tape playback. Medium Tree Finch (CR) Camarhynchus pauper

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(1) Isla Floreana 30.4. Endemic. Small numbers of presumably this species were seen in the highlands. Hybridisation with Small Tree Finch makes the identification of this species more complicated. Small Tree Finch Camarhynchus parvulus parvulus (3) Isla Floreana 30.4, Sierra Negra Volcano, Isabela 1.5 and Isla Santa Cruz--Los Gemelos 3.5. salvini: (1) Punta Pitt, San Cristóbal 29.4. Endemic. Birds were seen at 4 different islands. Observed at nest on Isabela. Woodpecker Finch Camarhynchus pallidus pallidus (1) Isla Santa Cruz--Los Gemelos 3.5. productus: (1) Sierra Negra Volcano, Isabela 1.5. Endemic. Birds were seen in the highlands of two islands. Green Warbler-Finch Certhidea olivacea (2) Sierra Negra Volcano, Isabela 1.5 and Isla Santa Cruz--Los Gemelos 3.5. Endemic. Birds were seen in the highlands of two islands. Grey Warbler-Finch Certhidea fusca luteola (1) Laguna El Junco, San Cristóbal 27.4 and La Galapaguera, San Cristóbal 27.4. cinerascens: (1) Española 28.4. Endemic. Both subspecies seen well on two islands.

Mammals (5 in total: 5 seen) Status codes: E = Endemic, NE = Near-endemic, I = Introduced IUCN codes: CR = Critically endangered, EN = Endangered, VU = Vulnerable, EW = Extinct in the Wild, NT = Near Threatened, DD = Data Deficient

Sea Lions Otariidae Galápagos Fur Seal Arctocephalus galapagoensis

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(1) El Radar, Isabela 2.5 and Caleta Iguana 2.5. Endemic. Seen along the rocky shore of the western side of Isabela. Galápagos Sea Lion Zalophus wollebaeki (5) Española 28.4, observed San Cristóbal 28-30.4, Punta Pitt, San Cristóbal 29.4, Puerto Villamil, Isabela 30.4, Isla Floreana 30.4, At sea off Isabela 2.5, Puerto Villamil, Isabela 2.5, Puerto Villamil, Isabela 3.5, At sea between Isabela and Santa Cruz 3.5 and Isla Santa Cruz--Puerto Ayora 3.5. Endemic. Common in the Galápagos.

Oceanic Dolphins Delphinidae Common Bottlenose Dolphin Tursiops truncatus truncatus (2) 20 San Cristóbal 29.4 and At sea between Floreana and Isabela 30.4. Seen well at close range.

Rorquals Balaenopteridae Bryde's Whale Balaenoptera edeni (1) At sea between Floreana and Isabela 30.4. Two were observed at close range. Photographed. Blue Whale Balaenoptera musculus (1) At sea off Isabela 2.5. Most likely this species was involved.

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