gannet

I think this is a younger Gannet but not too sure. Any id would be great Bridie

Another Gannet from Bempton Bridie

The plumage needs 4 to 6 years to change completely into the white of the adults.

There was a steady coming and going in the colony, since some of the birds still had chicks. Most times when they returned they had caught fish looking like sand-lances.

The pairs are following a greeting ceremony when one of them returns from fishing.

A colony of gannets has been built up since the 1990ies on the cliffs of Helgoland and is still growing. The path on top of the cliffs gives insights without disturbing them.

One of the pair had returned from a fishing trip, to be greeted by its partner on the cliff-face.

Alf shows Else a little affection whilst young Rita begs for a little more attention.

My first visit to Bempton provided me with my first views of a Gannet. Graceful to say the least, I could watch them for hours........Oh I did.

No updraught today from the rising cliffs. More like a down draft as the strong gusts are from the opposite direction. Using their heads, they are staying below the top, out of it. Or should that be using their wings?

By chance (honest), I've captured the same nest site as one of IanF's in his gallery. Only this time there's no chick. What a difference 3 weeks make. What became of it? What are the emotions are this pair experiencing & showing to each other? Love, support? We think life is tough...

Swarovski ATS80HD + Fuji Finepix E 900 F 4.2 1/800 sec. ISO 100. Last week we visited Helgoland to digiscope the gannets on the cliffs. this is one of the results.

Preening on the cliff-face.

A gannet tries out its new trampoline ;)

Peering up over the headland.

Dangerous business if you happen to be sitting on the sea when a Gannet spots a fish nearby!

Another one from my trip to Bempton Cliffs. There were thousands....absolutely fantastic!

These are just two of the many thousands of gannets at Bempton Cliffs.

I love the white lines on their feet - was good to see them close up to notice such detail. Usually only see them flying past along the coast, or diving in the distance, out to sea.

This gannet swooped through the fog for a grab shot.