Peru - Ballestas Islands Written and Photographed by Vahagn Stepanian
Ballestas Islands, a.k.a. Mini Galapagos are
small islands in the Pacific Ocean, close to the coast of Peru.
Located south of Lima, near the city of Pisco and the Paracas
peninsula. The islands are inhabited only by birds and mammals.
The Peruvian Pelicans
Just one of the 160 species of marine birds present on the island.
Old Ship Port
The only time anyone goes onto the island is to collect the huge
amount of bird droppings (Guano). The droppings are used in the
production of fertiliser.
Sea of Birds
The black spots at the top are all birds.
Penguins?
Something that I didn’t except to see on these islands were
penguins. The Humboldt Penguins, also know as the Peruvian Penguins
are very common on the islands. They can be found in costal Peru
and Chile.
Rain of Bird Droppings
I don't know what these birds eat but droppings can be seen everywhere.
If you do ever get to visit the islands try not to look up.
Sea Lion
Large colonies of sea lions can be found on the islands, usually
just posing for tourists. I’d like to know how it got up
there.
The Peruvian Booby
The Peruvian Booby taking a nap. Famous for its name, the Booby
is another common bird on the islands who makes its nest out of
Guano (the feces of seabirds, bats, and seals).
Vahagn Stepanian
is The Compass art director. He recently ventured to Peru
on a journey of adventure and mystery. As a skilled photographer
he looks at the world through his lens and never leaves home
without his gear.
