gannets

The Bass Rock situated in the Firth of Forth is the home to around 150000 Northern Gannets in the peak breeding season, making it the largest colony in the world.

A couple of years ago I had a great day out at RSPB Bempton Cliffs. The Gannets were there in their thousands and I got some awesome images of them.

Now apparently the worlds largest northern Gannet colony with 150,000 birds. An increase of 24% since 2009. Gannets from the Bass Rock Scotland.

I thought i might share with you all a photo that was recently published in Bird Watching magazine, full spread back page. It was voted as "Highly commended" in the magazines recent bird photographer of the year competition. To say i was chuffed is an understatement..

Young gannets near the breeding colony practice their pair bonding

Second shot

Cape Kidnappers is the place to go for Gannets. Take the 4WD Bus trip--not the Tractor trip. CK beats Murawai hands down. The Gannets are just a couple of yards from the parking area.

There are two colonies here at Cape Kidnappers. One is within a few yards of the car-park and this one. You have to take a guided tour by bus as the area is private property but it is well worth the expense. Depending on the wind it can be a bit 'on the nose'

Gannets hunt for nesting material on the cliff edges at RSPB reserve Bempton Cliffs

inverted colour

My annual visit to Bempton(thanks Mike and Carol!) A real treat it was too. Kittiwakes,razor bills,and these beautiful birds!

Overlooking the cliffs at Bempton you can see these fantastic birds coming and going out to sea so as to bring back food for the nesting parent.

After one had returned, the pair performed the ritual of rubbing beaks together. Great to watch.

Its been awhile since I have posted anything. Here one of my more stylised oils. Its a large oil on canvas about 40x30 ins.

Had a great day at Bempton on Saturday,this shot is just one of many

My first go at Gannets from Bempton Cliffs where I visited last weekend. Bridie

Invitation only.

the courting couple

Taken with the kit lens 18mm-55mm at 55 end with ISO100