Our day began sailing close to an island called Isla Rasa, perhaps one of the most interesting and amazing islands in the Gulf of California. And not exactly because of its size or the abundant vegetation, since it is only 0.6 square kilometers and there are only a few plants and cacti. But its beauty and magic are due to the fact that every year from May to July it hosts more than half a million birds at once, who come here to breed and nest. Close to 95% of the world's population of Heermann's Gulls (Larus heermanni) , and Elegant Tern (Sterna elegans) nest here. Rasa is also visited by Royal Terns (Sterna maxima) who in smaller numbers also come to this place to reproduce. After nesting, the Heermann's Gulls migrate to Canada and the Terns migrate to South America, and by the end of July this crowded island becomes desolate, all the birds gone.
We were welcomed by Enriqueta Velarde a well-known researcher who has spent more than 22 years doing research at Isla Rasa. She led us through the small island, and we were all fascinated with the scene; the Heermann's gulls had already laid their eggs and some nests had three eggs!!! And the Terns were working on that…. mating and laying eggs! The sound of the birds calling is very impressive and the feeling of being there among all that life is a once in a lifetime experience!
