Photographing Boobies in The Galápagos Islands

Before I arrived in the Galapagos Islands, I knew I would find entertainment in exploring the dramatic volcanic landscape, lazy sea lions, and giant tortoises walking about the islands. I did not expect to find so much joy in spotting the many boobies throughout the Galapagos.

The boobies in the Galapagos come in a variety of sizes. Found throughout the archipelago, boobies are easy to spot on islands like North Seymour, Española, and Santa Cruz. And once you see one, it’s hard to look away. There are small ones and big ones. Male boobies are smaller than female boobies. The bluer ones are the most attractive. Of course, I am talking about the famous Galapagos blue-footed Booby.

The immature minds of the Greene family descended on the Galapagos in our truest state. We couldn’t go past a blue-footed booby sighting without dropping a comment. I’m usually aware of trying to not behave like an annoying American when traveling about, but at the mere sight of a blue-footed booby, we had to say something. I will say this: my 18-year-old daughter was the most frequent jokester, followed by my 13-year-old son. I, of course, behaved mature and reverent throughout my time on the volcanic islands.

The color of a blue-footed booby’s feet is not just for show, but they play a pivotal role in the courtship. Male boobies strut about, showing off their vivid blue toes during matting rituals. They extend their feet with an exaggerated high-step strut, wishing to capture the eye of a female booby. And the bluer the feet, the more attractive, which makes the high step very important. It is believed that the bluer the feet, the healthier the booby, which helps a potential mate decide that’s the booby for her. It’s nature’s best dating profile.

Seeing the blue-footed boobies were a highlight during our trip to the Galapagos Islands. Not only did they provide my family with countless moments of sophomoric humor, but they are beautiful birds with a story to tell. They are a front-row seat at Mother Nature’s comedy show.