Northern Gannet: Bird Finder for December 2, 2016

Northern Gannet, Bonaventure Island, Near Perce, Gaspe Peninsula, Quebec

Northern Gannet
Morus bassanus

by Andy Griswold, Director, Connecticut Audubon Society EcoTravel
Birders call the activity of scanning salt waters for birds a “sea watch” and the Connecticut coast can be a good place if the weather conditions are favorable. Hurricanes are best. When winds howl, storms brew, or winter sets in, the Northern Gannet can be found in Long Island Sound without too much effort.

What it looks like: The Northern Gannet is a large, soaring bird of sea and sound. On occasion during severe storms, it may be seen inland, briefly. The adult, with its primarily white plumage featuring black wingtips, exhibits a unique silhouette among northern east coast species. The long pointed wings (72-inch wingspan) and pointed beak and tail, are distinguishable from a far distance. At even greater distances, the gannet’s soaring, short, stiff wingbeats, and spectacular dive-feeding behavior from as high as 130 feet, make for an easy identification. Young birds are a mix of dark and light, brown and gray tones, taking three to four years to acquire the adult plumage.

How to find it: The best way to find this species is to monitor weather patterns and time your visit to the coast accordingly. Strong winds from the northeast to southeast are likely to drive this species into Long Island Sound, often in good numbers. Feeding flocks and parades of birds can sometimes number in the hundreds. Coastal areas with a 180 degree view are best. Traveling east in the Sound may sometime increase your chances at finding them.

Northern Gannets are often associated with gulls that may also be feeding on schools of fish just below the water surface or following a fishing vessel pulling up its catch. During storm conditions, gannets may be seen with shearwaters, Razorbills, storm-petrels, and other pelagic species.

Nesting in only a few large colonies along the North Atlantic, the Northern Gannet spends most months at sea. North American populations are stable with an estimated population of over 155,000 individuals.

Increase your chance at seeing these birds with a good spotting scope! Quality optics will enhance the experience, so call the Connecticut Audubon Society EcoTravel office for your binocular and scope needs. We offer Swarovski and Vortex quality equipment, a perfect gift for holidays! 860-767-0660.

Proceeds fund our conservation work here in Connecticut.

Photo by Alan D. Wilson, Carolinabirds.org