Lava Gull flies past cacti, South Plaza Island, Galapagos

Isla Plaza Sur, 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 Vulnerable. Lava Gull is considered to be the rarest gull in the world and is endemic to the Galapagos. For more information on this species of bird see the following links:
Lava gull (Leucophaeus fuliginosus) / Wikipedia
Lava Gull Leucophaeus fuliginosus / BirdForum
Lava Gull Larus fuliginosus / BirdLife International
Lava Gull Leucophaeus fuliginosus / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Shooting Time 08:32
Tv(Shutter Speed) 1/2500
Av(Aperture Value) 5.6
Exposure Compensation 0
ISO Speed 800

Latitude 00 35 4.7 S
Longitude 90 09 42.4 W
Altitude 9.10m