New Zealand: Cape Kidnappers – Gannet Colonies
Cape Kidnappers is home to one of the largest colonies of the Australasian Gannets, more than 7000 pairs breeding here. The Australasian Gannet (Morus Serrator) is a beautiful and graceful seabird, with white plumage, yellow head, and stunning blue eyes, overall very similar albeit slightly smaller then the Northern Gannet. The setting for the colony on Cape Kidnappers is beyond picturesque – with several colonies scattered over chalky cliffs and spires. You can get very very close to the birds, see them interact, and fly in and out from their fishing expeditions. Gannets are spectacular fishers, capable of diving to substantial depths at breakneck speeds, mostly feeding on squid and fish.
