Gannet gathering vegetation for nest
Due to commitments, I could only stay for the morning on the cliffs, with most of that time undertaking the guided wildlife walk. It was a pleasant but cooler morning and very busy with visitors eager to see the sea birds, mainly Puffins! Unfortunately, the Puffins decided to make themselves scarce with only a few being seen on the ledges, but that is nature!
It is becoming easier to see the breeding seabirds in action with more obvious eggs, chicks and birds bringing back sand eels for feeding. Large numbers of Kittiwakes and Gannets are collecting vegetation and mud to supplement their nests. However, A lot of the Kittiwakes, Razorbills and Guillemots are standing on ledges with no breeding activity being observed.
Razorbill with Jumpling
Razorbill with Egg
I'm not sure how this Guillemot egg got between these nesting Gannets, probably rolled as no Guillemot has been seen there!
It was pleasing to see this newly hatched Guga, protected by one of its parents
An older Guga
The Herring Gull "dining table" is still busy!
The "Marmite Gulls" (aka Herring Gulls) now have three chicks at Bartlett Nab. One of the parents brought in a sand eel and presented it to the confused chicks! Having pecked at it, the parent seemed to get the message and swallowed the sand eel, no doubt to be regurgitated in due course!
Gannets regularly collect various materials to take back to their partners as a gift of endearment and ultimately placed within the nest, increasing its size. With the amount of vegetation collected by this Gannet, I cannot help but think it has been naughty!
Hopefully, back to normal next week!
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