Peruvian pelican (Pelecanus thagus) flying over Peruvian boobies (Sula variegata).

The Islas Ballestas are ruled by birds. They produce the valuable guano. They can s(h)it wherever they want.

🌊The Islas Ballestas are a group of small islands. They are part of a nature reserve and home to numerous animal species.🐧💩 Thousands of seabirds produce guano here. This is caused by the reaction of bird droppings and limestone and is traditionally used as a fertilizer 🚜, but also in the production of explosives💣. The word guano comes from Quechua, where it's called "wanu". 🤓 Responsible for the chemical reaction is the nucleobase guanine contained in the bird's urine.

In October 2018 I've explored Peru by myself. After my arrival in Lima I took the bus for Paracas (Ica) and visited the Paracas National Reserve. It's a protected area for desert and marine ecosystems.
We started early around 9 o'clock.
There was a very good tour guide, she explained everything in English and in Spanish. She took me from my hostel (Hospedaje Mary) and brought us to the haven.
We went by boat to the Ballestas Islands. It was cool and a bit foggy, which are the best prepositions to see all the animals.
I've seen all the animals I wanted to see and much more. South American sea lions and fur seals, Humboldt penguins, Peruvian boobies and pelicans, Guanay shags, Inca terns and beautiful sea stars.
After this boat trip we've had a little break and then explored the Atacama Desert. There was a small nature museum, very interesting! I searched for the Paracas gecko. How sad I have never seen one.
At Playa Roja (red beach) my smartphone went out of energy and off course (!) I had forgotten my charger. But I've seen so many beautiful things!
Peru is absolutely worth a thousand visits!