Some Gannet Close-ups

[NorthernFocus]

The Muriwai gannet colony really offers great access and some awesome opportunities for photography. Angles can be challenging for shooting the birds on the ground. But with a bit of patience the shots present themselves.

1) The gannet's body is purpose built for fishing at sea. The eyes are positioned to see best down and forward, They spend hours every day staring down at the water while soaring high above. The feathers overlap to form a smooth but rippled surface which is aerodynamically efficient. Either too smooth or too rough a surface creates more drag. The gannet's designer has a good grasp on the laws of physics and fluid dynamics. The surface area of the wings is huge allowing them to spend many hours soaring on air currents without expending energy and to support their substantial body weight. When they need to take off from the water the huge webbed feet let them run across the surface of the sea until the wings can generate enough lift to get aloft. But the purpose built design that looks so elegant aloft looks quite out of place on the ground.



2) The long neck adds to the efficient aerodynamic profile aloft and also provides a clean entry for diving deep after fish.



3) With their eyes positioned in that manner when they're on the ground they have to point their beaks upward in order to effectively look around. And of course stretching their necks as high as possible helps them see above the crowd of birds around them. They also lift their heads for various "body language" purposes both when greeting their mates and intimidating rivals. So this is a common position to catch them.




4) Living on the edge. This pair was going through their mating ritual just inches from the cliff edge. In spite of their ungainly shapes they can be quite beautiful at times like this.



5) But it's not all wine and roses. And when necessary the beaks can be formidable weapons.



6) There's nothing like good angular light to reveal texture. Note the difference in feathers on head compared to neck/body.



7)



8)



9) But when viewed close the eyes are definitely the most outstanding feature.




10)



11)

[Werner]

Great series. #3 is just awesome.

[pnodrog]

Great

[John 2]

National Geographic would be proud of these. Another excellent set of images Dan. The little old lady in 2 and the intimidating character in 11 are my standouts.

[Shadowman]

Nice series.

[Craigie]

An other great series Dan.

[bje07]

Wonderful close ups.

[Mike Buckley]

Such a fascinating narrative and gorgeous set of photos! Every single one of them is top-drawer.

[Wavelength]

Superb images, no doubt

[NorthernFocus]

Glad you folks enjoyed the post. I could have spent all day watching these birds.

[bnnrcn]

Great shots Dan I would love to have one of those lovely birds as a pet but I don't think any one of them would like it

[NorthernFocus]

Great shots Dan I would love to have one of those lovely birds as a pet...

I think one smell of them and you would change your mind. Unless you enjoy the(intense) odor of previously digested fish

[Dave A]

Nice set. The last image did it for me.

Dave

[JohnRostron]

Great set. I particularly liked #6 and #11.

John

[madcrow]

Fabulous series, like them all.

[NorthernFocus]

Thanks, guys. I like the look from the bird in the last shot. Wish I could have gotten that look with the lighting in some of the shots above. Okay reshoot next year!

[Rita]

Stunning.

[Dave Humphries]

Outstanding Dan, (I don't think anyone has used that superlative yet)

I shot some back in the summer (our UK ones that is), but I bet they won't come out this fantastic.

Well done, Dave

[bnnrcn]

I think one smell of them and you would change your mind. Unless you enjoy the(intense) odor of previously digested fish

[GBO25]

Perfect detail and fabulous birds. Love those feet but as you say the eyes are the stand out feature. 2, 3, 9 & 11 are my top picks probably especially 11. What a great series.