Gannet on the water
I’m used to seeing Gannets flying at head height. Since their colonisation of Noup Head cliffs, their numbers have soared like a Gannet and the cliffs are alive with their calls.
One view I’ve never had up close is of a Gannet on the waves. They ride surprisingly high up. They’re very buoyant.
It’s a glorious view from the Orkney ferry to Westray. Current mood: buoyant.
More glorious Gannets
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Gannetry There's a Northern Gannet colony at Noup Head on Westray. Whenever there's a breeze in the right direction the Gannets… read more
Dive! Dive! Dive! A joyous trip to Brixham breakwater was rewarded with a procession of diving Northern Gannets. Marvellous, aren't they? read more
2021 highlights of a wilder Orkney life I had a wonderful time on Westray in Orkney in 2021. The Puffins returned to breed and provided constant entertainment… read more
Wet Gannet, shaking This Gannet was very wet after a dive. As it flew past it decided to shake itself dry. I suspect… read more
Greta Gannet We're watching the Gannets at Noup Head when the Puffin Whisperer gets very excited. She's seen one with an egg.… read more
Noup in the mist Noup Head lighthouse isn't visible until we're almost on top of it. There's dew on the grass and on the… read more
A precarious life on the edge of a precipice Who would have guessed that Gannet chicks could be so cute close up? Their white downy feathers are not quite… read more
Bonxies on a boat Great Skuas, Stercorarius skua, are known as Bonxies in Orkney. Their flashing go-faster white wing-stripes are a familiar sight as… read more