The Island known as Bass Rock is located on the fringe of the Firth of Forth north-east of North Berwick in the east of Scotland. Bass Rock is a Site of Special Scientific Interest being home to more than 150,000 breeding Gannets (Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus)) and is the largest single rock gannetry in the world. Other bird species present include Razorbills, Guillemots, Cormorant, Puffin, Eider Duck and gulls. Gannets are are spectacular divers, plunging into the ocean at high speed in order to catch fish.
Northern Gannets (Morus bassanus) on Bass Rock off the eastern coast of Scotland near the mouth of the Firth of Forth. In a tightly packed bird colony any individual that strays into the space of another is likely to be attacked.
The Island known as Bass Rock is located on the fringe of the Firth of Forth north-east of North Berwick in the east of Scotland. Bass Rock is a Site of Special Scientific Interest being home to more than 150,000 breeding Gannets (Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus)) and is the largest single rock gannetry in the world.
Gannet, preening, bird, wildlife, grooming, gannets, Northern Gannet, Morus bassanus, gannett, nesting, colony, Bass Rock, Scottish coast, Seabirds, coastal, wildlife, nesting, Dunbar, North Berwick, Scotland, East Lothian, Northern Gannet,
Description
Gannet preening,Most birds have a preen gland, or uropygial gland, at the base of the tail. The gland produces uropygial oil, a waxy substance used to waterproof and condition feathers. Rubbing the preen gland with the beak, a bird picks up the oil and then distributes it onto feathers by rubbing the beak over the feathers. It’s thought that the oil from the preen gland also helps to make the feathers supple and strong and prevents them from drying out. Preening is especially important for diving birds such as gannets as distributing the oil over feathers is important maintaining the condition of feathers exposed to much water.
Herring Gulls (Larus argentatus) and Gannets (Morus bassanus) compete for fish scraps thrown from a boat near Bass Rock off the eastern Scottish coast.
Bass Rock off the eastern coast of Scotland near the mouth of the Firth of Forth is home to the largest single rock breeding colony of Gannets in the world.
Herring Gull (Larus argentatus) and Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus) compete for fish scraps thrown from a boat near Bass Rock off the eastern coast of Scotland at the mouth of the Firth of Forth
Part of Gannet breeding ceremony. Gannets preform elaborate greeting rituals during the breeding season, this includes gently tapping bills together, mutual grooming and also stretching their bills and necks skywards while maintaining contact with their bills.
Gannet, diving, action, plunge, plunging, action shot, Northern Gannet, Morus bassanus, nesting, colony, Bass Rock, Scottish coast, Seabirds, coastal, wildlife, nesting, Dunbar, North Berwick, Scotland, East Lothian
Description
Diving Gannet captured on camera at a very high shutter speed at the moment of entry into the sea. The species here is the Northern Gannet, Morus bassanus photographed in the north sea off the East Lothian coast of Scotland. Gannets are are spectacular divers, plunging into the ocean at high speed in order to catch fish. Gannet pairs may remain together over several seasons. They perform elaborate greeting rituals at the nest, stretching their bills and necks skywards and gently tapping bills together.
Bass Rock, lighthouse, Scottish coast, Seabirds, coastal, wildlife, nesting, Dunbar, North Berwick, Scotland, East Lothian, Northern Gannet, Morus bassanus, bird colony, blue sky, blue sea, summer, island
Description
The Island known as Bass Rock is a volcanic plug on the fringe of the Firth of Forth Scotland. At various times between the 13th and 18th centuries the island served as a fortress and a prison. A lighthouse was constructed on the rock in 1902. Boat trips round and to the island are organised from Dunbar and North Berwick on the mainland. Bass Rock is a Site of Special Scientific Interest being home to more than 150,000 breeding Gannets (Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus)) and is the largest single rock gannetry in the world. Other bird species present include Razorbills, Guillemots, Cormorant, Puffin, Eider Duck and gulls.
