I’ve been crazily busy this week and have been working so hard today on a presentation that I think I’m even hungrier than this young Australasian Gannet.
Australasian Gannet (Morus serrator)
1/2500, f10, ISO 800
This image was taken at Point Danger, near Portland in Victoria which supports Australia’s only mainland gannet colony.
Young gannets often wait a long time for a parent bird to return from foraging out at sea. The youngsters sit on the exposed rock with no shelter from wind, rain or sun. Some differences between the young bird and the adult can clearly be seen in the image. The young bird’s plumage is mottled brown and white against the bright white of the adult. There is a faint hint of yellow behind the bill that will gradually become brighter and extend over the head. The eye and bill are dark rather than the striking colours of the adult bird and the bare skin will become bluer with time.
Adult gannets measure up to 90cm. They soar above the water before folding their wings and diving straight down to catch their prey which is generally swallowed while they are still under water. Their scientific name derives from the tiny serrations along the bill that help them hang onto their slippery prey. Young gannets tap at the adults bill and repeat a demanding call which stimulates the adult to regurgitate its catch. Perhaps I’m not quite so hungry any more.
Gannet colonies are noisy, smelly and absolutely delightful. My camera gear is still stained with whitewash that I haven’t managed to remove, another few inches to the side and I’d have been covered in it too. I must remember to take a face washer with me when I head down there next, brownies and guides taught me to ‘be prepared’.
Happy birding
Kim
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A wonderful photograph Kim. It was raining on my visit, so I didn’t hang around to witness the feeding of a youngster, but neither did I or my camera get covered with goo like you, so that’s a consolation. From your photo it is clear to see how well the young gannets would be camouflaged on their exposed rock while they sit and wait for their next feed. They are literally spotted the same as their roost rock. Thanks again for an outstanding photograph.
That’s such a good point about the young gannets’ camouflage. My camera bag is fairly well camouflaged now too! I hope the weather is kinder to you on your next visit.
Huge smiles.
I hope your very busy day was productive.
And I so understand your diminished hunger. I don’t really feel the need for breakfast now.
I have images showing the bits and pieces as they are fed; nectar for the young ones but most unappetising from my perspective