Gannet

Also known as the Northern Gannet although why the powers that be decided to rename the British birds I can never understand.  If there is a need to distinguish them there is always the scientific name for that.  Rant over.

It was a beautiful day, so lunch was packed and we set off towards the RSPB reserve looking for Puffins (which was the real reason we were there.)  We soon found a place with 2 or 3 and took some shots.  Unfortunately they were in shade so we decided we would have better chances later in the day.   We were wrong!

We worked our way along the cliff path stopping for shots of the Gannets.  When we reached the visitors centre a coffee and rest was in order.  The rest was good which is more than could be said about the coffee.

On the way back activity at the main viewing point above the Gannetry had changed.   Birds were coming in just above the cliff, hanging on the wind as they chose their landing site.   This one was carrying grass in its mouth.  Most birds seemed to have settled on nest sites so this could be either a bird just reached maturity but not paired up or possibly one running a little late in nest building.