Gannet galore
The largest seabirds in the North Atlantic, Northern Gannets are renowned for their dramatic plunge-diving skills and striking white and black plummage. Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve in Newfoundland is one of the most accessible sites to witness these magnificent birds. Visitors can observe their elaborate courtship displays, synchronized nest building, and cooperative chick rearing up close, making this an ideal destination for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts.
Location: Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve, Newfoundland
Species: Morus bassanus
Status: Least concern (2024)
Fun fact: Gannets dive at speeds reaching 100-km/h and have a specialized air sac that helps them return to the surface
Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve​
​
Located on the southwestern tip of the Avalon Peninsula in Newfoundland, this stunning reserve is one of the most accessible and stunning seabird colonies in North America. CSMRE is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and impressive bird populations, making it a popular destination for bird watchers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers.
Chasing sunset, I promptly made my way to a barren parking lot, neighbouring the impressive sea cliffs. As daylight turned into dusk, it was the perfect setting for what I hoped would be a unique birding experience. To reach this bird colony, I first checked in with a friendly naturalist who gave me a quick orientation to ensure proper etiquette around the colony. Remember, it's always important to follow local regulations and respect nature's treasures!
I started walking along a soft soil path and, before long, could hear the symphony of calls, songs, and cries. The colony was close. A few minutes later and it was in sight; thousands upon thousands of Northern Gannets. It took a moment for my eyes to adjust as they tried focusing on the constant swooping, hovering, and diving of these magnificent avian acrobats. Like rush hour on a high-speed highway, the birds managed to avoid collisions as they came within inches of each other.
The spectacle, however, wasn't only in the sky. Clustered among the dramatic cliffs, like a tapestry of ivory bundles, the gannets hovered around their nests, each vying for a fragment of rubble. Known as "Bird Rock," this sea chimney offers breathtaking view of the nesting seabirds on the cliffs. From this location, you can see, hear, smell, and, most importantly, feel the colony. Everything for a sensory spectacle.
​
Northern Gannets are large seabirds known for their impressive diving abilities and striking appearance. They are the largest members of the gannet family and are found in the North Atlantic, everywhere from Canada, to Scotland and Iceland. Expert divers, these birds plunge into the ocean from heights of up to 30 meters (100 feet) to catch fish. They primarily feed on fish such as mackerel, herring, and sand eels, as well as squid.
Colonial nesters, Northern Gannets often form large, dense colonies on cliffs and rocky islands, like the one at CSMER. Boasting an impressive population of 30,000 individuals, this particular colony is one of the largest in North America. They typically lay one egg per breeding season, which both parents incubate and feed, until the chicks fledge after about 13 weeks.​
Mating pairs exhibit fascinating behaviours and a strong bond, making their breeding and nesting practices particularly interesting. Generally monogamous, gannets form long-term bonds that often last for several breeding seasons, sometimes even for life. Courtship involves elaborate displays that help strengthen the bond between pairs. These displays include mutual preening, bill fencing (where the birds gently clash their bills together), and synchronized movements.
The IUCN Red List categorizes Northern Gannets as a species of Least Concern due to their large and stable populations. However, they face threats from pollution, overfishing of their prey species, and climate change, which can affect their food supply and breeding habitats. As we continue to ravage the ocean with unsustainable practices, it is important to remember that we have a significant impact on the sea, the coast, and its many inhabitants.
Among these beautiful birds, keep your eye out for other species including Murres, Kittiwakes, Black Guillemots, Razorbills, and some other surprises!
For more information about Bird Rock visit Cape St. Mary's Ecological Reserve
Find out how Oceans Canada is conserving life in and around the sea