Despite an abundance of native birds (mainly tui, kereru and fantails) nesting around my neighbourhood, I’m generally not great at capturing photos of them.
The gannet colony at Muriwai is another story though. With many thousands of birds nesting on the cliffs, it’s inevitable that some will build their nests close to the walkway. They seem very relaxed about the hordes of humans who come to gawk at them, though I suspect that’s mainly because we flightless ones seem reasonably capable of staying behind the fence.
Breeding season has begun again for the gannets, and I will undoubtedly spend some early mornings clutching my camera and enjoying the sight of these majestic birds.
And I’m overdue for another visit to the wonderful Wingspan Birds of Prey Trust, which does such great work helping to ensure the survival of New Zealand’s native birds of prey. Hisan, the juvenile karearea, or falcon, shown above was photographed almost two years ago and will have flown off from his perch one day and not returned. Hopefully to make a home, and breed, somewhere in the forests nearby.
Posted to the Ragtag Daily Promt | bird
Amazing shots! And those gannets are gorgeous.
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They are! And such a joy to watch.
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The gannets are a gorgeous colour.
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They are. I so love watching them. They are worth an early morning trip before the tour buses arrive, and the light is good.
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Fantastic Photos!
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Thank you ๐
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What a great compiment to these birds, you showed their beauty without a flaw
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Thank you ๐
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The gannets are beautifully captured. ๐
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Thanks Amy ๐
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Wow! These photos are amazing! I love how close you get and the framing.
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Thanks so much ๐
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They are lovely Su, thanks for sharing.
Leslie
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I have not seen gannets before, I wonder if they are only found in the southern hemisphere. Great photos, Su!
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Thanks Peter. There are northern hemisphere gannets, but the mostly live around the UK, although there are apparently small populations around coastal Canada. They nest in colonies, so there will be thousands of breeding pairs in any one place. Unless you are near a colony, you tend not to see them as they are seabirds, and migratory.
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Thanks for the info, Su!
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Youโre welcome.
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The Gannets are so lovely…
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They are beautiful birds ๐
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Amazing photos!
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Thank you ๐
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Just adding my voice to that chorus of praise, Su. Amazing. That gannet face would make a good mosaic. ๐
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Thanks so much Tracy ๐
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You did an outstanding job on these birds! The Gannets look air-brushed – fantastic!
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Thanks so much GP. They are such beautiful birds; I feel very lucky to live quite close to the colony.
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Lovely photos. And how wonderful to have an abundance of native birds in your neighbourhood.
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Thanks. I do feel very blessed. And worried as their habitat is shrinking so fast. I suspect they nest in our trees, and those of the neighbours, because we actually still HAVE mature native trees.
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๐ ๐
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Gannets are so sculptural. Nice post.
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Thank you. It can be tricky getting a good shot because they seem to be endlessly moving.
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The gannets are so beautiful!
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๐ I find them mesmerising
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We don’t get gannets around here. I liked those photos.
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Aww – the beautiful gannets are back! If they were here I would also grab my camera as often as I could and take their pictures. ๐ I especially love the elegant curve the one in the last shot has. And the Hisan is very beautiful too! Xxxxx
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Yes, they are nesting at the moment and I guess there will be chicks really soon. xxxxx ๐
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Yay!!! ๐๐ฃ
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:- xxx
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I love falcons. What great pictures.
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Thanks so much Lisa ๐
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Incredible photos. Did you record any audio?
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Thanks. No I didnโt; I was quite a distance away, and the rubbish truck was in the street. All Iโd have picked up was a truck engine and the bins being emptied ๐ฌ
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Ah…the delights of a rubbish truck would in no way diminish the bird song…..oh hang on….it might a little!
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๐๐
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