We hiked out to Cape St. Mary's today. I have to admit I was nervous going out there after the Gulf of Mexico spill. The Gulf of Mexico is where the gannets winter and then fly all the way back up to Newfoundland in the spring to breed. I wrote about my concern for the birds here.
I am delighted to report that not only are the millions of birds back here this year but that they have spread their nesting grounds to another promontory in the same area.
The weather has been magnificent since Grandgirl arrived. We were lucky to catch one of the last few irises on the cape, a late bloomer because of the weather (above). Photo above taken by Grandgirl.
I also took one of her staring in awe at the gannets. I've been out there many times but still stop in my tracks at the number and sound of them all.
And a closeup of a pair, again taken by Grandgirl.
Glad to know the gannets are still thriving despite your worries. In fact that rock looks rather overcrowded! And grandgirl's pics are wonderful.
ReplyDeletewonderful pictures and i'm glad the birds are back and of course that you are having a good time with the Grangirl
ReplyDeleteNow that is a flock!!
ReplyDeleteNice to see that the creator will fix what we screw up.
Great Photographs. Very reflective of the mood that you seem to be in now.
ReplyDeleteJerry and I saw a gannet colony in New Zealand last year; they are amazing and beautiful birds. Young NZ gannets fly to Australia as soon as they can take wing, stay for 3 years and then fly back to NZ, never to return to Australia. Our guide said, "One trip to Aussie is enough for them."
ReplyDeleteIt seems the oil spill did less damage than originally feared. Your gannets are proof of that. There certainly seems to be an overpopulation. That rock they're sharing seems to be too small. What a racket that must have been. Do they make good eating?
ReplyDeleteSo wonderful to see all those birds!
ReplyDeleteThat young lady has a great eye for the camera, just like you WWW.
ReplyDeleteGreat shots! Gorgeous birds!
ReplyDeleteLove the gannets - we see them a lot round the coast in Scotland too.
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