Very similar to the familiar Great Blue Heron of North and Central America, these birds have established a resident population and are found on most of the larger islands. Interestingly, even though the herons with which I am familiar are extremely skittish birds, the resident herons of the Galápagos have adopted the laissez-faire attitude of most other Galápagos species in that they allow humans to approach rather close.

This heron has outstretched its wings to gather the warmth of the late-afternoon sun against a backdrop of Opuntia cactus and carpetweed.

Toto, we are no longer in Kansas!

Image # 29768