Adult Gannets, Bempton Cliffs RSPB

Gannets in flight, Bempton Cliffs RSPB

This is the first of a few posts showing the largest breeding seabird of the U.K., the (Northern) Gannet. The above photos show 3rd calendar year birds, different from the adult and 4th year birds by way of predominant black on the wings, the adult is mostly white with black tips and the 4th year have the odd black secondary feathers. A huge bird with a 1.7-1.9 metre wingspan, a huge bill and a piercing blue eye ring and when seen well cannot be mistaken for any other species, oh, and my Dads' favourite!