May 13, 2000
Richard Polatty - GalapagosThe last week in the uninhabited islands (May 6 - 13) has been one of change. Everything is seasonably warm but starting to cool down. The daytime temperatures averaged 83 F. or around 28.3 C. The sea is also getting a bit choppier than the past few weeks. The southeast trade winds are picking up and there are more cool spots of upwelling water. The southern islands (Floreana and Hood) are cooling off and the local winds are pretty high. Boats passages are getting rougher. There is still no garua and cumulus clouds predominate. The sea is generally cooler. Below are specific temps but the average in the central islands was between 75 F. (23.9 C.) and 78F. (25.5 C) The western island water is cool as expected averaging around 71 F (21.6 C)
To check the latest sea surface conditions go to sea surface temperature maps provided by NOAA.
Compare the situation this week with 2 weeks ago
For specific island reports:
The water temperatures are taken at the top meter of surface water and then at various depths. If the area of measurement is deeper than 100 feet (30 meters) then the measurement is taken there. If it is shallower (usually at the anchorage for boats), the measurement is the bottom temperature.
Surface F. (C.) Bottom F. (C.)May 7
Tower
75.7 F. (24.3) 68.9 F. (20.5)
Male Great Frigate display is in full swing. Lots of activity in general. A few older red footed booby chicks in nests.May 8
Fernandina
68.2 F. (20.1 C.) 64.8 F. (18.2 C.)
American Oystercatcher with 2 eggs on the far point of the visitor siteTagus Cove
Large flock of 20 penguins with many juveniles
Cats seen as usual on the cliffs south of Tagus Cove
Galapagos Martins nesting in the cliffs
Herd of goats still on the hills west of Darwin Lake
Palo Santos in leaf
no observed nesting of finches
68.4 F. (20.2 C.)May 9
Puerto Egas
almost no migratory birds in the intertidal zoneBartolome
flock of 18 penguins with lots of juveniles
79.5 F. (26.4 C.) 77.5 F. (25.3 C.)May 10
Daphne Major
72.1 F. (22.3 C.) 70.7 F. (21.5 C.)North Seymour
78.1 F. (25.6 C.) 77.5 F. (25.3 C.)More magnificent frigate display than in previous weeks. Blue Footed boobies still nesting with most still courting and a few pairs with eggs. Still great snorkeling conditions with good visibility and many white tipped reef sharks.
South Plaza
75.6 F. (24.2 C.) 74.7 F. (23.7 C.)
Land iguanas still spread out over the island.
The sea lion bachelor colony still does not have a large number of sea lions but the breeding beach is active. Looked for Kelp Gulls but none seen. Portulaca no longer blooming but many land iguanas on the trail.
Usual schools of Yellow Tailed Mullet absent.May 11
Floreana
Punta Cormorant
43 Greater Flamingos (the most I have observed there this year and the number has been growing each visit). The flamingos were in full courtship display including flights around the lagoon.
light rain for a few minutes
lots of Galapagos flycatchersBlack Beach
74.1 F. (23.4 C.) 71.5 (21.9 C.)PO Bay
73.8 (23.2 C.) 72.7 (22.6 C.)May 12
Hood
Gardner Bay
75.8 F. (24.3 C.) 74.9 (23.8 C.)
The number of sea lions present is growing. There has been very little sea turtle nesting this year.Punta Suarez
73.4 F. (23 C.) 70.5 F. (21.4 C.)
Cool water and high wind / surf for the past couple of weeks.
A few pairs of blue footed boobies starting to court.
Much activity in the Albatross colony with a lot of mating and dancing. Large numbers in rafts off shore and large numbers flying. Quite few have eggs and at least 5 eggs abandoned already visible on the trail.
Galapagos Hawk nesting on the return trail.
Lots of mosquitos.
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