Las Aves, Venezuela

Las Aves was our next stop on the westward march to Bonaire. Named for the many birds that reside here Las Aves is another coral island with sparse vegetation and mangrove bays ringed by outer reef. 
Chase, an avid fisherman, headed out in the kayak, fly rod in hand hoping to catch some bait or dinner.

Can we eat this???

After determining that Needlefish are indeed edible, grilled with some lemon butter this prime catch made  a tasty appetizer.

Hundreds of birds make these islands their home, with boobies being the predominate species. 
Red-footed, browns with blue bills, and many nests of fluffy chicks high in the mangroves, it was a challenge getting close enough for a picture and yet staying far out of bulls-eye reach.

Flamingos!!!!!

With a brisk windy front passing by we were glad to be tucked in behind the protection of the outer reefs and low mangroves. A spectacular surprise came flying by, fighting the wind and heading out over the reef to somewhere. 

Pink seemed to be the color of the day and dusk brought pink skies with clouds of high flying  frigate birds. Las Aves was rightly named.