R. Doug Wicker — Author

Circling the Sea Lions

On this particular day we didn’t see a lot of the diversity for which Islas Ballestos is famous, but we certainly saw a lot of pinnipeds of one species — the South American sea lion.  Here is a colony of mother sea lions tending to their pups:

The Nursery

The most prevalent bird species had to be the Peruvian Booby.  They were everywhere:

Peruvian Booby

Peruvian Booby

These are the remains of an old guano mining operation:

Abandoned Guano Mine

Here are a couple of sea lions putting on a show for us:

Where’s My Flea Collar?

Snooze Time

For Additional Information:

• Islas Ballestas — Wikipedia
• Islas Ballestas — Lonely Planet
• Paracas National Reserve — Wikipedia
• Paracas National Reserve — Trip Advisor
• Paracas National Reserve — Nature.org
• Ballestas Islands — Trip Advisor

Islas Ballestas, Paracas National Reserve

Imagine a place where you can spot up to three dozen species of mammal and well over 200 species of birds.  No, I’m not talking about the Galápagos Islands some 650 miles/1,000 kilometers out in the middle of the Pacific.  I’m referring to a small group of islands just minutes by boat off the Peruvian coast.

Islas Ballestas, Paracas National Reserve

There is a small group of rocky protrusions jutting out from the Pacific less than twelve miles from either Paracas or the city of Pisco.  This tiny enclave is collectively known as Islas Ballesta, and along with the neighboring Paracas Peninsula and nearby coastal areas they form the Paracas National Reserve.

Mama Sea Lions and their Cubs

Starting today and over the next three weeks we’ll be taking a look at some of the wildlife on and around Islas Ballestas, including a huge gathering of sea lions.

South American Sea Lion

Also on these islands are the remains of man’s attempt to capitalize on one of the natural resources here — nutrient and nitrogen rich bird and sea lion guano for fertilizer.

Guano Mine

Here is a flock of Peruvian Boobies:

Peruvian Boobies

And, of course, there’s the photo opportunities offered up by the rugged yet colorful terrain as well:

Islas Ballestas, Paracas National Reserve

For Additional Information:

• Islas Ballestas — Wikipedia
• Islas Ballestas — Lonely Planet
• Paracas National Reserve — Wikipedia
• Paracas National Reserve — Trip Advisor
• Paracas National Reserve — Nature.org
• Ballestas Islands — Trip Advisor