Landscapes
Cliffs north of Cape Kidnappers, with the view back towards Napier.
ˆThe eroded hills near the end of Cape Kidnappers. Two tectonic plates meet just above the centre of the photo, and the gannet colony is at the top of the flat plateau just to the right and above the centre.
The tip of Cape Kidnappers, with one of the inaccessible gannet colonies (and two of NZ's ubiquitous sheep). There are four colonies at Cape Kidnappers, but only one where people are permitted to get close.
Flight
ˆ
The gannets fly within metres of you as they come in to land.
Their flying is wonderful to watch; their landings are sometimes awkward.
Chicks
Gannet with very young chick.
Gannet with a slightly older chick.
Fluffy chick.
Other Photos
This is how close the gannets roost in the colony. No wonder landing is awkward.
Close-up of gannet head.
Starting to stretch wings.
Living on the edge (or so it seems).