National Geographic Sea Bird remained at anchor throughout the night, ready for today’s exploration of El Barril. This unique mangrove forest is an important habitat for a myriad of species. Red and white mangrove trees create a sheltered and protected area of salt water where tropical fish begin their lives. The leaves of the mangrove shed throughout the year. Settling on the deep soils in the salt water, the detritus is fed upon by fungus and bacteria, changing carbohydrates to proteins and providing food for many species. Birds use the mangroves for roosting and nesting and are great hunters of the many fish in the waters below the trees.
Our Zodiacs and kayaks were launched, and our morning was spent exploring the channels of this mangrove forest searching for its many residents.
afternoon was spent in the Boca de Soledad investigating the northern regions of Bahia Magdalena. Seven pangas arrived from Lopez Mateos and pangeros, with a minimum of thirty years of experience observing grey whales, brought us to an area known for grey whale mothers and calves. After some searching, we were rewarded with the touching site of a mother grey whale and her baby.
