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It is quite crowded on the nesting areas (this is the southern point).
The sites are jealously guarded, and any bird venturing too close
will get pecked without mercy. (Bearing in mind that each site
is home to two birds, there is plenty of opportunity for transgression
when a bird comes to visit its mate.)
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Living on the edge! Note the pair on the top right, displaying
the gannets' bonding ritual (`mutual fencing').
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Birds which do not sit on their throne, or which don't lift off in
a strong breeze inevitably get caught in fights. Some of the neighbours
are just bemused onlookers, others prefer to get their share of
the action.
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Threatening gestures (after a fight)
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Threatening gestures (after a fight)
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The southern point.
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The southern point again.
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This photo was taken from the northern viewing platform.
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This photo was taken from the northern viewing platform.
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With a bit of practice one can get pictures like this and the following few
pictures from the viewing platforms, provided the wind conditions are right.
(These are taken with my 100-300mm zoom, mostly at full extension.)
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This bird was trying to check out life on the other side of the
fence. As I was standing on the northern viewing platform, it landed
behind me on the path (which is fenced). Both of us were rather
surprised, but gradually it approached and hopped up
to the platform where we could get acquainted (and I got
a few shots). In the end it squeezed
through between the rails of the viewing platform to enjoy freedom again.
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A bird in the evening sun
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Flying with open bill
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A group of five gannets, returning from a fishing trip
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Sheer elegance!
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