The Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus, formerly Sula bassana) is a seabird and is the largest member of the gannet family, Sulidae Young birds are dark brown in their first year, and gradually acquire more white in subsequent seasons until they reach maturity after five years. Adults are 81-110 cm (32-43 in) long, weigh 2.2-3.6 kg (4.8-7.9 lbs) and have a 165-180 cm (65-71 in) wingspan. Before fledging, the immature birds (at about 10 weeks of age) can weigh more than 4 kg (8.8 lbs). Their plumage is white with black wing tips. The bill is light bluish. The eye is light blue, and it is surrounded by bare, black skin. During breeding, the head and neck are brushed in a delicate yellow.

Northern Gannet

Northern Gannet (3rd cycle), Stoer Head, Scotland, 7-June-2015

The Power of Three. These Gannets and there chick were taken at RSPB Bempton Cliffs a must visit for all Photography Enthusiasts, Rocky Coastline and Gannets Galore, this really is a great outdoor photographers location.

Northern Gannet, Isle of Mull, Scotland, 3-June-2015

Nazca Booby, Sula granti, Sulidae - Galápagos Islands, Ecuador

I was looking through older files and saw this photograph of a Northern Gannet taken last spring. I haven't posted many bird photos recently so I thought this might be nice to post today.

As you walk toward Bird Rock at the Cape St Mary's Rookery you sense movement to the right. A quick glance and you see the grassy knoll, only a few feet away, covered with Northern Gannets. The group in the photo includes two females sitting on nests and one male waiting to launch out into the Altantic for some food. The picture was shot early morning in light fog.

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