Cape Gannet colony at Lambert’s Bay, South Africa
There are only six Cape Gannet breeding colonies in the world and one of them can be found three hours north of Cape Town in the little fishing town of Lambert’s Bay. The famous Bird Island Nature Reserve can be accessed by walking across the breakwater that connects the island to the mainland. Known for being the most accessible gannet colony in the world, Bird island is also home to other bird species like Hartlaubs’ gulls, jackass penguins, and four different species of cormorants. A small colony of Cape Fur seals also calls the island home.
Gannet colony as seen from the observatory
Between October and December, some 5,000 pairs of Cape Gannets gather on Bird Island and build nests from their own guano (poop). The incredible congregation of birds can be viewed from the nearby observatory that overlooks the colony. The views are superb and the glass in the hide enables bird enthusiasts to watch bird behaviors and photograph the spectacle.
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Zoologist and amateur wildlife photographer. She has worked in the field with jackals, wolves, cheetahs & leopards. Due to her habit of dissecting every poo she finds on the trail, her friends refer to her as a poo-logist. Her travel memoir Dual Nature about traveling around Africa with a stranger will be published in 2013.
Amazing photos! I didn’t realise they built nest from guano – thanks for teaching me something new today
Budget Travel Blog recently posted..10 Reasons I always travel with a Smartphone
Thank you so much John! Glad you enjoyed the post
I’ll bet that is one loud and stinky crowd….like an elementary school.
You know? I didn’t think it smelled bad at all!
That’s a great picture
Manuela recently posted..Lake Eland Game Reserve – Wildlife
Thank you so much Manuela!
I love birds but that many in one place would just drive me crazy! What was the noise like?
Natalie recently posted..The Beehive Houses of Harran
I don’t think it was that loud Natalie. You are sheltered at the blind, but I don’t recall the place as being loud.