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Wake-up Baby


Wake-up Baby
Photo Information
Copyright: Janice Dunn (Janice) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3315 W: 148 N: 6113] (18648)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2009-01-29
Categories: Birds
Camera: Canon EOS 30d, Canon 70-300mm DO IS USM
Exposure: f/7.1, 1/640 seconds
More Photo Info: [view]
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2009-01-29 20:20
Viewed: 712
Points: 22
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
Gannet Colony at Muriwai

I saw this Gannet family at the Gannet Colony at Muriwai yesterday. The baby gannet looked dead and I was touched with the attention that the both parents were giving to it. They softly poked and prodded at it and then at each other.

But I was wrong – baby was asleep in the sun. I took a series of photos of them all and will post some of them here some time.


There are three Australasian gannet nesting colonies on New Zealand's mainland, one at Farewell Spit at the very Northern tip of the South Island, one at Cape Kidnappers near Napier and this one, at Muriwai beach North West of New Zealand's largest city, Auckland.

This colony was only established on Oaia Island , 1.6km off the coast, around 1900, with the gannets displacing the white terns which had previously nested here.

In 1975 the birds were out of space and started nesting on the mainland proper, at Muriwai’s southern end, Otakamiro Point .

This headland and offshore islands are also home to White fronted terns (Tara), Blue penguins and Fur seals (Kekeno). The Takapu Refuge is located at the southern end of Muriwai beach and is an established breeding area for gannets. About 1,200 pairs of adult gannets nest here each summer and can be seen between August and March each year.

www.richard-seaman.com/Birds/NewZealand/Gannets/TheColonies
Heaven, Gert-Paassen, Miss_Piggy, robindb, Argus, eqshannon, goldyrs, bikefifty, marhowie has marked this note useful
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Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To Argus: ThxJanice 1 01-30 10:31
To Miss_Piggy: ThxJanice 1 01-29 22:57
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Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • Heaven Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 811 W: 108 N: 1736] (6060)
  • [2009-01-29 21:16]

Hi Janice!

I'm glad to hear that the little Gannet was only sleeping. Your picture is delicate and sensitive. It reflects very well the attention of the parents for their offspring. The parents position is very nice. Moreover, you have very well managed the lighting, not easy with the bright white of the birds feathers.

Kind regards

Markus

Hi Janice,

You have here a good picture from the parents and the young ones.
I know this birds only from the zoo.
Beautiful colours.

Gert

Hallo Janice
What a touching moment captured. It is so humanlike and one can actually see the love and bond these birds share with their young fluff ball. I can see in my mind’s eye what you describe in your note about the fact that this little looks as if it is dead, as it surely give the impression of being so. A beautiful and very intimate moment photographed. The detail is great. Have a lovely weekend.
Best regards
Anna

Hi Janice,

Nice image and a nice story The exposure is especialy well handled to get this level of detail.
TFS

Robin

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3821 W: 190 N: 11376] (35063)
  • [2009-01-30 4:01]
  • [+]

Nice shot showing Gannet parental care Janice!
I must say I thought the baby gannet looked dead but it is nice to read that it was just sunbathing. Even though there is no eye contact at all it is a fine and well composed capture.
TFS and have a good weekend,
Cheers,
Ivan

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2912 W: 34 N: 8640] (32202)
  • [2009-01-30 12:17]

Hi Janice. It is a moving picture but with a happy ending. The detail you have captured in feathers is first class. with natural colours. Good exposure on the white of the birds. well done tFS. Interesting notes too.
Nick.

VERY good show of compassion Jan! You knew a situation which I have seen in other animals and all ended as well..but you thought good enough to capture an image as well...all the better!
Bob

Nice info and TFS such a touching picture.

This is a superb shot, Janice.A very touching scene, indeed.
I love the almost dramatic timing tin this shot!
Cheers!
Goldy

Janice,

Another great shot with a story. The color and framing of the picture is perfect. Your story ties it all together. This is what true nature photography is all about. TFS

Bob

Hi Janice,
Great to hear the little one was only sleeping, a happy ending here..
Because at first glance, the scene appears tragic & sad.
Very good POV showing both attentive parents.
Great exposure control of all that white plumage with very good detail/DOF.
Thanx for sharing this wonderful image :)
Howard

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