Gannet

Gannet

Gannet’s Waltz at Bempton Cliffs: A Windy Day’s Tale in Frames.
Gannet Photography at Bempton Cliffs.

Gannet
Gannet playing on the wind

On sunny day on Bempton’s rugged coast, a magnificent spectacle began to unfold. It was a gathering of Gannets, their grand stature and grace captivating our hearts. Riding on the whims of the wind, they swirled and twirled, their bodies arcing and gliding in an aerial ballet under the soft rays of the sun.

It was our first encounter with these marine marvels, and we stood there, entranced by their captivating display. Cameras in hand, we aimed to capture the essence of this maritime brood, their playful prance, and the way they seemed to harness the wind, dancing on the breezy uplift along the edge of the towering cliff.

The day was windy, but it seemed to serve the gannets’ grand performance, adding to their fluid motions. The salty air was filled with their calls, a maritime melody that matched the rhythm of their dance.

As the day progressed, we stood there, caught in the wonder of it all. The sight of the gannets, wings wide open against the backdrop of the vast ocean, their carefree waltz, was more than just a moment. It was a memory carved into our hearts, a rare and precious snapshot of nature’s grand ballet.

We left the cliffs that day with more than just photographs. We took with us a tale, a story of gannets dancing in the wind, an image of their graceful silhouettes against the skyline, a memory of a windy day spent in awe of nature’s spectacle on Bempton’s rugged coast.


Gannet
Gannet posing on cliff edge

5 Interesting Facts about Gannets at Bempton Cliffs:

  1. Bempton Cliffs is home to the UK’s largest mainland gannet colony, making it an ideal location for photographing these majestic birds.
  2. Gannets are the largest seabirds in the North Atlantic, with a wingspan of up to 2 meters.
  3. They are known for their spectacular diving skills, plunging into the sea at high speeds to catch fish.
  4. Gannets are easily identified by their bright white feathers, yellowish heads, and black wingtips.
  5. Despite their size, Gannets are remarkably graceful in flight, often riding wind currents along the cliffs.

Gannet
Gannet gliding

5 Useful Tips on Photographing Gannets at Bempton Cliffs:

  1. Use Fast Shutter Speeds: Gannets are fast and agile, especially when they’re playing in the wind. Use fast shutter speeds to freeze their action.
  2. Pay Attention to the Wind: On windy days, Gannets often glide and hover, providing excellent opportunities for in-flight shots.
  3. Anticipate Their Movements: Look for patterns in their flight paths and anticipate where they might go next for the best shots.
  4. Utilize the Background: The cliffs and sea provide a stunning background. Use these elements to add context and depth to your shots.
  5. Capture Their Behaviour: Gannets exhibit various behaviours from diving for fish to playing in the wind. Capturing these moments can add an extra layer of interest to your images.
Gannet
Gannet – Arty farty shot

Keep exploring, keep capturing. There’s always another windy day, another cliff, and another flight to follow.

Until our next adventure, happy shooting!

Twiggy the Hedgehog