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Australasian Gannet #8 (22)
coasties Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3817 W: 505 N: 8098] (27718)
Australasian Gannet

Other names: Morus serrator, Takupu, Toroa-haoika, Australian Gannet, Solan Goose, Diver.

Identification: 90 cm (35 in.). Spindle-shaped body, clearly delineated black and white plumage and long narrow wings clearly distinguish the gannet from any other seabirds in our waters.

Similar species: Unlikely to be confused with any other species except for possibly the Masked Booby Sula dactylus but this bird lacks the gannet's golden-yellow head and is somewhat smaller.

Range: In coastal waters throughout the country. Juveniles disperse to waters off south-east Australia, returning permanently to New Zealand when adults.

Status Common.

Where to see In New Zealand: Three easily accessible mainland colonies at Muriwai, Cape Kidnappers and Farewell Spit. Also often seen from boats in coastal waters, particularly in the North Island.

Notes: Flocks above schooling fish indulging in spectacular diving displays


Please add any Gannet photos to 'Gannets Of The World' in Themes

For information on these wonderful aquatic birds please visit my other Gannet photos

You can view my other Gannet photos here here here here here here & here



Image Information

Camera: Canon 10D
Time of day: 11:58 a.m.
Date: 3rd January 2005
Weather conditions: Overcast
Lens: Tamron 28 - 300mm XR
Filter: Hoya 62mm UV
Shutter Speed: 1/750
F-Stop: F/11
Flash: No
Tripod: No
Focal Length: 65mm
ISO: 400

Altered Image #1

coasties Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3817 W: 505 N: 8098] (27718)
curves and white levels
Edited by:danbachmann Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 75 W: 19 N: 143] (463)

I adjusted the levels based on a white point to throw off the gray on the bird and also did a curves adjustment using two points (at center and at 1/4) to make it stand out with a little zing