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Australasian Gannet


Australasian Gannet
Photo Information
Copyright: Pam Russell (coasties) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3749 W: 483 N: 8155] (28054)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2006-11-26
Categories: Birds
Camera: Canon EOS 20D, Canon EF 100-400mm L IS USM, Digital RAW 100, Hoya UV 77mm
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2009-02-04 1:09
Viewed: 5853
Points: 14
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Australasian Gannet (Morus serrator)

Description: The male and female Australasian Gannet are about 84 to 95 cm and are similar in plumage. Most of the body is white, with dark tips on the major wing feathers and the inner tail feathers. The head is buff-yellow and the bill pale blue-grey with striking black borders to the bill sheaths. In immature birds, the head and upperparts are mostly brown with scattered amounts of white spotting. Small flocks are seen soaring above the ocean. A bird will suddenly fold its wings back and dive spectacularly into the water.

Distribution and Habitat: Australasian Gannets are seabirds and are a familiar sight off the southern coast of Australia. The species is also found in the south-east, to New Zealand.
Food and feeding

Australasian Gannets are expert fishers. Birds soar 10 m or more above the surface of the water, herding fish into dense shoals, then fold their wings back and dive into the water to catch their prey. The fish are grasped with the aid of small backward-pointing serrations along the edges of the bill. A bird only stays under the water for about ten seconds, but the fish is normally swallowed before the bird reaches the surface.

Breeding: In Australia, the Australasian Gannet breeds in dense colonies on islands off Victoria and Tasmania. Breeding colonies are also found off the coast of New Zealand, mostly off the North Island. In Australia, eggs are laid in October to November, with chicks hatching after about 44 days. The young leave the nest after 100 days, but do not reach breeding maturity until about six or seven years old.
Miss_Piggy, LordPotty, uleko, sranjan, ppmiranda has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hallo Pam
Sjoe! meaning Wow in Afrikaans. Once more Sjoe! It is indeed a display of beauty and grace. I am actually a bit jealous and envy you for this one. It is really very beautiful presented in a most favourable and pleasant manner. A sharp image with great focus and perfectly framed image. Thanks for sharing. Kind regards.
Anna

Hi Pam,
This is a great shot of a Gannet with nesting material.
I saw one of these just the other day while I was fishing at the Grey rivermouth.
We don't see so many down this way.
Very nicely taken.
Cheers & TFS
Steve

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3396 W: 172 N: 3310] (10940)
  • [2009-02-04 7:31]

Hello Pam,
Wonderful capture of this Gannet collecting nest material. Very well-timed and it stands out very sharply against the rocks and the sea in the background.
TFS and regards, Ulla

Hi Pam,
it's a perfect shot of this impressive bird.
Collecting for a nest?
I like this post, excellent as usual from you.
Thanks so much, greetings
Sabine - wishnugaruda

WOW is right, the sharpness is brilliant, composition, light and background are all great, to capture a bird in flight and carrying nesting material is terrific - in my opinion.

  • Great 
  • PeterZ Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 5137 W: 166 N: 13121] (49139)
  • [2009-02-17 6:30]

Hello Pam,
Wonderful photo from your archive.
Excellent timing and composition. Beautiful natural colours, OOF BG and very sharp.
Regards,
Peter

Hello Pam,
One of the finest inflight photographs on TN. Excellent shaprness, details & POV.
Regards-Subhash

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