Photos of the Week, November 17, 2023

This week, our best photos from the field included portraits of wildlife, from sea turtles and endemic birds in the Galapagos Islands to Australasian gannets in New Zealand to penguins in the Antarctic. Check out our field staff's most memorable creature close-ups below. Get Inspired By Photos, Videos, Webinars, Stories, And Exclusive Offers. Sign Up

Paranapura, Peru

Wild Peru Escape: Amazon and Machu Picchu, November 3, 2023

Yellow-headed caracara. —Ramiro Adrian, Naturalist

South Georgia Island

Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands, November 9, 2023

This time of year means one thing for sure in South Georgia. Bull fur seals cover just about every beach as they wait to impress a potential mate. —Nathan Kelley, Naturalist/Certified Photo Instructor

Barro Colorado Island, Panama

Panama and Colombia: Exploring the Caribbean Coast, November 10, 2023

Golden orb spider. —Joshua Hall, Naturalist

Santa Fe Island, Galápagos

Galápagos Aboard National Geographic Endeavour II, November 10, 2023

The Galapagos flycatcher starting the day at Santa Fe Island. —Omar Adrian, Naturalist

Santa Cruz Island, Galápagos

Wild Galápagos Escape , November 11, 2023

This Galápagos land iguana was under the bushes looking for shelter from the sun. —Cristian Villarroel, Naturalist

Floreana Island, Galápagos

Wild Galápagos Escape , November 12, 2023

A sea turtle observed while we snorkeled at Champion Islet. —Paul Vergara, Naturalist/Certified Photo Instructor

South Orkney Islands

Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands, November 12, 2023

A single Adélie penguin decorated in his or her “tuxedo outfit” of fine feathers. —John Pachuta, Naturalist

Española Island, Galápagos

Galápagos Aboard National Geographic Endeavour II, November 12, 2023

A small ground finch feeds among the saltbush, stripping small flowers from the branches. —Jason Heilmann, Undersea Specialist

Gisborne, New Zealand

Coastal New Zealand: Scenic Fjords, Māori History, and Abundant Wildlife, November 13, 2023

The town of Gisborne has just finished their new cruise ship dock, and we were the first ship to dock today! We’re going to have our eyes out for the local papers tomorrow since we were told we would be on the front page. The locals were so excited that they gave us a fish! —Kim Nesbitt, Undersea Specialist (Photo by Mike Desiderio)