The last Northern gannet I saw was along the shore of the Evangeline region of Prince Edward Island. The huge birds with a wing span over 2 meters, fish off the coast of the island this time of year. This one had seen better days unfortunately.
Gannets don’t nest on PEI. The nearest colony is located on Bonaventure Island, off the east coast of Quebec.
I’d heard stories of fishers from around our island home, watching the birds offshore make their daring dives from above into the ocean and disappear for a time underwater. We had never seen them however until one day recently at Cabot Beach on the north shore of the center of the island.
The tide was low and I went to the water’s edge. Off in the distance, I saw a white bird dive into the water. Gannet! Another one flew in and did the same. They disappeared for a time then surfaced and floated around. Of course, I had my camera close by.
I was so excited to see these marvelous creatures! The distance tested the zoom on my camera and the pictures are not great. However, in my thrill to see them, I feel compelled to share the best photos nonetheless. One was taking off while the other watched the cormorant nearby.
Gannets are a wonder of nature!
32 comments:
They are a beautiful bird indeed. And you captured them so well, Marie. I've watched them in past years but can't remember where exactly that I saw them. :-)
It's the thrill of actually seeing them in action that's the main thing Marie, birds are fascinating to watch. Sad about the gannet in first shot, it's tough out there in the wild! Have a good weekend ✨
Amazing birds.
I'm glad for you that you got to experience this.
That's is a big wingspan! Nice to see them doing their thing in the ocean!
Beautiful creatures! I had never heard of them before. Thank you for sharing.
They are beautiful birds, glad you saw them in action.
Even in death that is one beautiful bird.
How magical to see them (and photograph them) in their element.
They are truly exotic in coloring and shape. How lucky to see this.
Any bird with a span of 2 meters is a wonder to behold, Marie. I can imagine your joy in seeing these birds with your own eyes...as well as capturing them with your camera! BRAVA.
absolutely gorgeous specimen, and fine shots, especially in flight!
Love gannets Jan.
Seeing them in action was a real treat Grace.
They truly are William.
It was a thrill indeed AC.
It was a privilege to watch them Jenn.
They are northerly birds Angela.
Me too Bill.
I was thrilled to see them at work EC.
They are huge and beautiful Tabor.
I was beyond thrilled to see them Ginnie.
Such a huge, incredible bird and seeing it in action was a thrill SW.
They really are beautiful birds, sad about the first photo but I guess that is how things must be in nature. Take care Diane
They are fast and very skilled!
I've seen the thousands of gannets nesting on the bird rock at St Marys in NL, amazing birds. I wonder why these particular birds were fishing in the waters of PEI.
wow!! they are beautiful. i think i remember you sharing photos of deceased ones last year??
How fantastic to capture them, the wing scan does look huge. Sarah x
Nature is harsh it’s true Diane.
I’d love to see a flock of gannets dive for fish Catarina.
The last time I was at Cape St Mary’s, it was unsurprisingly foggy and I didn’t get a chance to see the birds as I would have liked, Shammi.
I did post some photos last year Debbie.
They are giants among birds Sarah.
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