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Friday 3 August 2018

Gannets at Cabot Beach

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:

DJan said...

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. :-)

PerthDailyPhoto said...

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 ✨

William Kendall said...

Amazing birds.

Anvilcloud said...

I'm glad for you that you got to experience this.

Jenn said...

That's is a big wingspan! Nice to see them doing their thing in the ocean!

Angela said...

Beautiful creatures! I had never heard of them before. Thank you for sharing.

Bill said...

They are beautiful birds, glad you saw them in action.

Elephant's Child said...

Even in death that is one beautiful bird.
How magical to see them (and photograph them) in their element.

Tabor said...

They are truly exotic in coloring and shape. How lucky to see this.

Ginnie Hart said...

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.

Silver in AZ said...

absolutely gorgeous specimen, and fine shots, especially in flight!

Marie Smith said...

Love gannets Jan.

Marie Smith said...

Seeing them in action was a real treat Grace.

Marie Smith said...

They truly are William.

Marie Smith said...

It was a thrill indeed AC.

Marie Smith said...

It was a privilege to watch them Jenn.

Marie Smith said...

They are northerly birds Angela.

Marie Smith said...

Me too Bill.

Marie Smith said...

I was thrilled to see them at work EC.

Marie Smith said...

They are huge and beautiful Tabor.

Marie Smith said...

I was beyond thrilled to see them Ginnie.

Marie Smith said...

Such a huge, incredible bird and seeing it in action was a thrill SW.

Rhodesia said...

They really are beautiful birds, sad about the first photo but I guess that is how things must be in nature. Take care Diane

Catarina said...

They are fast and very skilled!

Shammickite said...

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.

Debbie said...

wow!! they are beautiful. i think i remember you sharing photos of deceased ones last year??

Down by the sea said...

How fantastic to capture them, the wing scan does look huge. Sarah x

Marie Smith said...

Nature is harsh it’s true Diane.

Marie Smith said...

I’d love to see a flock of gannets dive for fish Catarina.

Marie Smith said...

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.

Marie Smith said...

I did post some photos last year Debbie.

Marie Smith said...

They are giants among birds Sarah.