Watching Cape Gannets is Entertaining

The hide has two levels. The bottom level has two-way glass so its possible to be very close to the birds without disturbing them. Upstairs it is open (only has a roof) and it is here where photographers can get wonderful photos of  the birds in flight.  Take the opportunity of chatting to the guide. His knowledge of the birds and the area is informative and interesting.

Watching these birds is entertaining. They are all huddled together – no space for anyone else. That is until one comes flying in over the colony, sees his mate and decides to land. With his tail spread wide, webbed feet comically sticking out sideways, wings hunched up he starts his decent. Ignoring the warnings from birds below yelling ‘warrah, urrah’ he lands with a clumsy thump. Somehow the rest move out the way and the mate warmly preens him before they start their mating ritual of bill scissoring, bowing and sky pointing.

Gannets are mainly black and white with golden yellow crowns. They have pale blue pointed beaks lined with black and light silvery eyes. In my opinion they are extremely beautiful. With all their beauty you would expect them to be elegant. They certainly look it, especially when in flight. Don’t be fooled, their clumsy oafish landing spoils their reputation. I saw a few fall flat on their faces. Highly amusing.

Look out for the Cape Fur Seals basking on the Rocks

Once you’ve had your fill, walk to the end of the pier where you will come across Kelp Gulls sunning themselves. They are photogenic and happy to pose for you.

There are a number of other birds in the mix. We saw breeding Cape Cormorants nesting on handmade posts, various terns including the Demara Tern which was a lifer for me. White-breasted cormorants are also regular visitors, as well as penguins.

At the end of the rocks is a large colony of Cape Fur Seals basking in the sun. A few returning from feeding were trying to land on the rocks. The sea was very rough and it was interesting to watch them riding the wave as it washed over the rocks.  Those that finally landed on the rocks then scrambled clumsily before the next wave hit them and washed them off again.  It all looked precarious to me.

I couldn’t help wondering how often these creatures just didn’t make it home again.