During the breeding season, approximately 1,200 pairs of Australasian Gannets spend a majority of their time atop this high cliff which overlooks the fury of the Tasman Sea at Muriwai Beach in Auckland, New Zealand. Each year, since 1975, the colony reunites here sometime in August, builds their nests and lays their eggs between September and November. For approximately 44 days, the parents await the arrival of their new chicks and then tend to their every need until they can fly and fish for themselves.
With their black/white plumage and yellow heads, the colony of Australasian Gannets spread themselves out along the top of this cliff. From 30 feet above the water, the Australasian Gannets often leave the cliff soaring and diving to pick their next meal from out of the sea. The gannets will reach maturity at approximately 5 years of age where they will find a mate and start their own family atop the cliff at Muriwai Beach in Auckland on the North Island of New Zealand.
The Muriwai Beach colony is one of 3 found around New Zealand with Cape Kidnappers being the largest. The months between August and March are the best time to watch the Australasian Gannet Colony at Muriwai Beach go about their daily chores during breeding season.
Australasian Gannets, Morus serrator, Muriwai Beach, Muriwai, near Auckland, Waitakere, West Coast, North Island, New Zealand.
Picture: "Muriwai Beach Australasian Gannet Colony Auckland New Zealand"
Photographer: Rolf Hicker Photography
Photo Name: nzk3s9276 - Muriwai Beach Australasian Gannet Colony Auckland New Zealand
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