[skipper954]

This is the famous blue footed boobie, found only in the Galapagos Islands.

This is a brief discussion:

Boobies are among the most fascinating seabirds to be seen in the Galapagos. The blue-footed boobies are particularly common and may be seen nesting in rocks near the shore on most islands. They share a number of common traits with their cousins, the red-footed boobies and masked boobies, including forward-pointed eyes that allow stereo vision. This gives them the appearance of being cross-eyed when seen head on. This "silly" appearance, as well as their strange mating dance, led the Spaniards to call them bobos (clowns), hence the name boobie. While their appearance may be silly, they are spectacular and daring hunters. Their projectile-shaped body has evolved to allow them a very unusual fishing style. Spotting fish beneath the surface, they dive at great speed into the water, folding their wings just before entry, and going deep into the water to catch their prey. Stereo vision allows them to follow fish underwater.

An axiom of ecology states that closely related species found in the same region must occupy different ecological niches. The three species of boobies illustrate this principle well. All three species are similar in size and differ only slightly in proportion, though they are easily distinguished by coloration. All three fish in a similar manner; however, they fish in different regions. Blue-footed boobies fish close to shore, masked boobies fish at intermediate distances, and red-foots fish far out to sea. The three species also nest in different areas. Blue-foots nest on low rocks near the shore, masked boobies on higher cliffs, and red-foots in trees in the more isolated islands. Thus there is no competition between these species.

This is just another example of the amazing ecology of the Galapagos, where species have been so isolated, with so little outside intervention, that they evolved untainted.

[Dave]

With your recent nude shots I though I had this one sussed from the title ....until I entered

Thanks for sharing the background on the bird....most interesting ...& agree that a place not spoilt by man is very much a haven these days.

[Rob Barron]

I assume the ones with the blue booties are boys and the ones with the pink booties are girls!

What?

Oh sorry, misheard you. These are Boobies, not booties, ok, gotcha :o)

Sorry, just that I have a major exam on Wednesday so am going a bit loopy! Love the pic and the extra info, thanks Skip :o)

Cheers,
Rob

[skipper954]

I thought that you were a teacher, not a student!

I know, we are all students, all of our lives. But are you taking advanced degree?

skip

[Dabhand16]

Lovely shot, Skip. The bird looks a bit pigeon-toed to me.

[skipper954]

Dave.....I am trying to learn your language. What means "sussed"?

Thanks for your kind comment, Dab.

[Dabhand16]

Skip, Sussed = worked out/guessed. This is different to Sus/sussy, which is suspicious.

Hence the often heard phrase in London East End pubs (public houses) 'I sussed the geezer (bloke/man) was a bit sussy'.

I jest, of course. in practice, if someone was thought to be a bit suspicious, he/she would just end up in the foundations of the Olympic stadium.

[Dave]

Here ya go Skip.....must remember to drop as many slang / informal words in next reply to really test you . Taken from English Dictionary from freesearch.co.uk

suss (DISCOVER)

verb {T} UK INFORMAL

to realize, understand or discover:

- {+ that} He never sussed (out) that they'd tricked him.

- She thinks she's got me sussed (out) (= She thinks she understands me), but she's wrong.

- I'll visit the college and suss it out before I decide whether to apply or not.

[Dave]

Originally Posted by Dabhand16

I jest, of course. in practice, if someone was thought to be a bit suspicious, he/she would just end up in the foundations of the Olympic stadium.

After being chucked down the apple & pairs

[Dabhand16]

If Rob passes his exam, are we going to give him a lardy?

[skipper954]

Dave, now you are being unfair. Couldn't find apples and pears in your dictionary.

Please elucidate, or tell me how to search

[Dabhand16]

Apples and Pears = stairs.

Rhyming slang should really only consist of the first word - 'apples', or like my last post here.

i.e. 'That's a nice whistle you have there, Skip'.

Whistle = Whistle and Flute = suit.

Tom = Tom Foolery = jewellery.

Daiseys = Daisey Roots = boots.