Panama: The Blue-Footed Booby Who Wouldn't Let Me Leave

The morning started with a beautiful sunrise along the rocky shoreline of the Gulf of Panama, on the country's Pacific coast. I was exploring with a couple of fellow photographers, enjoying that wonderful early morning light and seeing what wildlife might be around. There had already been plenty to keep us entertained along the shoreline, and as usual, I found myself getting distracted by just about everything that moved. That's one of the things I love about places like Panama. You head out with a camera and a little curiosity, and nature takes care of the rest.

As I worked my way along the rocks, I came across a blue-footed booby resting near the water. The poor little guy looked absolutely exhausted! Now, I had no idea whether he'd had a rough night, spent the morning fishing, or was simply taking a break, but he certainly seemed content staying right where he was. I kept my distance and started working on a few compositions, using the beautiful Pacific Ocean as a backdrop. Farther offshore, I could even see ships waiting to enter the Panama Canal. Not exactly your everyday wildlife photography background!

I spent some time enjoying that encounter, looking for different angles and trying to make the most of the shoreline and ocean beyond. But eventually, something else started demanding my attention. The tide was coming in, and those rocks I'd been exploring weren't going to remain accessible forever. As much as I would have loved to keep photographing, getting stranded on the wrong side of the shoreline wasn't exactly part of my morning plan.

So I decided it was time to work my way back. I carefully made my way around the rocky outcroppings, heading toward the beach where we'd started our adventure.

And as I rounded one of the final groups of rocks, I discovered that my morning was about to get a whole lot more entertaining.

Because there, perched near the edge of the forest, was another blue-footed booby.

And this one? Oh, this guy was something else!

At first, I figured I'd spend a few minutes making some photographs before continuing on my way. After all, I'd already spent some time photographing another booby earlier that morning.

Now, I know birds don't actually pose for photographers, but somebody apparently forgot to tell this little character. He was turning his head, standing tall, looking straight at me, and showing off those wonderful blue feet like he knew exactly how handsome he was. At times, I swear he looked like he was smiling. Other times, I couldn't help thinking he was laughing at the photographer trying to find the perfect position among the rocks. Either way, we were getting along beautifully.

The light was fantastic, too. He was still sitting in the shade, which gave me that wonderful soft, even illumination I love for wildlife portraits. His white feathers held their detail, the darker areas retained their texture, and that beautiful blue bill really stood out. I settled into a comfortable position at a respectful distance and began photographing, paying attention to his expressions and little movements.

There was absolutely no reason to rush. I settled in, watched his expressions, and enjoyed every little movement. Every time I thought I'd captured my favorite pose, he'd turn his head, stretch a wing, or give me another one of those wonderful looks. I couldn't help but smile. It was as if he had an endless supply of personality and absolutely no problem sharing it with the strange guy sitting nearby with a camera.

And somewhere along the way, something wonderful happened. Time simply stopped mattering. I wasn't thinking about what came next, how long I'd been there, or whether I should be photographing something else. I was completely absorbed in the encounter, enjoying this fascinating little character and everything he was doing.

Those are some of my favorite moments in wildlife photography. When the camera almost becomes secondary to the experience, and you're so connected to what's happening in front of you that nothing else really matters.

Eventually, I figured it was time to give my little feathered friend some space and continue exploring. I'd enjoyed a wonderful encounter, made some photographs I was really excited about, and noticed a great egret fishing in the surf farther down the beach. So I turned away, camera in hand, and started heading toward the egret to see what kind of photographs I might make.

Apparently, somebody had other plans.

I hadn't gone very far when I heard a little commotion behind me. I turned around, and there was my blue-footed buddy, making noise as he hopped down from the rocks where he'd been hanging out. I watched as he made his way toward the sand, and before I knew it, he was waddling along the beach in my direction on those wonderfully oversized blue feet.

Now, I wasn't about to assume he was actually following me. Birds move around, and maybe we just happened to be heading in the same direction. But every time I continued walking, there he was, making his way along the shoreline. I stopped, watched him for a moment, and couldn't help laughing at the whole situation.

Here I was, trying to move on to photograph another bird, and this little guy seemed determined to remain the star of the show. His movements were absolutely adorable, and with those enormous blue feet, he wasn't exactly sneaking up on anybody!

Of course, I picked up my camera again.

I started photographing him as he made his way along the beach and managed to capture a little video of our unexpected adventure. I continued giving him plenty of space, letting him choose where he wanted to go, but I have to admit, I was having an awfully good time.

I have absolutely no idea what was going through that little bird's mind. Maybe he was curious. Maybe he had somewhere important to be. Or maybe he just couldn't believe his personal photographer had the nerve to walk away.

But if I had to give him a voice, I'm pretty sure it would have sounded something like this:

"HEY! Camera guy! Where do you think you're going? WE WEREN'T FINISHED!"

At this point, what else was I supposed to do? We'd shared this wonderful encounter, he'd given me some beautiful portraits, and now he was apparently interested in joining me for a walk down the beach. It seemed only appropriate that we commemorate our unexpected little friendship with a photograph together.

So there I was, crouched along the rocky Pacific shoreline, camera in hand, smiling like a kid, with my little blue-footed buddy hanging out in the background. And yes, we got our selfie!

I absolutely love this photograph, and not because it's technically perfect or because the light is extraordinary. It's certainly not because I look particularly glamorous crouching on a rocky beach in my blue sun hoodie. I love it because every time I look at it, I'm right back there again, laughing at this wonderfully unexpected encounter.

I can still picture the shoreline, the rocks, the beautiful morning light, and this curious little bird waddling along as if we had somewhere important to be. It's funny how a photograph can take you right back to a particular moment, complete with all the little details and emotions that made it special.

And honestly, isn't that one of the most wonderful things about photography?

As photographers, we spend a lot of time thinking about our equipment, camera settings, lighting, compositions, and the photographs we're hoping to create. We research locations, study animal behavior, plan our outings, and sometimes travel thousands of miles in pursuit of a particular subject. All of those things are important, and they're part of what makes photography such a rewarding craft.

But experiences like this remind me that photography is about so much more than the images we bring home. It's about slowing down, paying attention, and allowing yourself to experience the world around you. Sometimes the most meaningful part of an encounter happens when you stop worrying about making the next photograph and simply appreciate what's happening right in front of you.

I have no idea why that blue-footed booby decided to follow me down the beach. Maybe he was curious. Maybe we just happened to be heading in the same direction. Or maybe, just maybe, he thought I was pretty good company.

I'm choosing that last one. 😂

What I do know is that Panama gave me another wonderful memory, a handful of photographs I absolutely love, and one of the funniest wildlife encounters I've had in a long time. Somewhere along that beautiful Pacific coastline, I hope my little blue-footed friend is doing well, showing off those fabulous feet, and perhaps entertaining another photographer who's lucky enough to cross his path.

Thanks for the memories, buddy. And for reminding me that sometimes the best wildlife stories are the ones that follow you home. 💙