Cattle Egret lurking by Galapagos Sea Lions looking for insects

Gardner Bay, Española Island, Galápagos Islands, Ecuador (August 2023)

This image was taken during the Gems of Galapagos trip organised by Natures Images and led by Mark Sisson and Pablo Cersosimo (Wild South Photography). An eight-day cruise was undertaken aboard the catamaran Nemo II following the south itinerary:

Day 1 Baltra (midday start), North Seymour (pm)
Day 2 San Cristobal: Lobos Island - Kicker Rock (am), Brujo Hill (pm)
Day 3 Floreana: Champion Islet - Cormorant Point (am), Post Office Bay - The Baroness Viewpoint (pm)
Day 4 Espanola: Osborn Islet - Gardner Island - Gardner Bay (am), Suarez Point (pm)
Day 5 Santa Cruz: Highlands (am), Charles Darwin Station (pm)
Day 6 South Plaza (am), Santa Fe (pm)
Day 7 Bartolome (am), Chinese Hat (pm)
Day 8 Daphne Major - Baltra (8:30 am end)

Status is classified as Least Concern. For more information on this species of bird see the following links:
Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) / Wikipedia
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis / BirdForum
Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis / BirdLife International
Western Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Shooting Time 07:29
Tv(Shutter Speed) 1/1600
Av(Aperture Value) 4.5
Exposure Compensation +1/3
ISO Speed 250

Latitude 01 21 7.0 S
Longitude 89 39 41.2 W
Altitude 5.80m