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New Zealand
5th November - 4th December 2005
Muriwai Beach
The Australasian Gannet colony at Muriwai Beach is quite a small colony by Gannet standards, only having formed about 30-40 years ago, but it is by far the most accessible in New Zealand and since it is only a 45-minute drive from Aukland International Airport, it makes an ideal place to either start or end a trip to New Zealand.
Australasian Gannet (Morus serrator) colony
The viewing platforms on the top of the cliff afford eye-level views of the gannets as they fly over the colony.
Australasian Gannet (Morus serrator)
Australasian Gannet (Morus serrator)
Australasian Gannet (Morus serrator)
Australasian Gannet (Morus serrator)
The closeness of the colony to the viewing platforms allows easy observation of the gannet's courtship and mating behaviour...
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Australasian Gannet (Morus serrator)
When a bird lands at its nest, it greets its partner with a ritualised bill-fencing display (above left) and an intertwining of necks (above right). Gannets usually mate for life and this display is important in strengthening the pair-bond. A similar display is also used as a prelude to mating...
Australasian Gannet (Morus serrator)
Australasian Gannet (Morus serrator)
Other birds nesting on the cliffs included...
Red-billed Gull (Larus scopulinus)
Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus)
The most commonly encountered land birds in New Zealand are almost all non-native species introduced to the islands by European settlers...
Yellowhammer (Emberiza citrinella)
Eurasian Blackbird (Turdus merula)
| New Zealand map |  |
Trounson Forest Park |
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They may not be used or copied in any form without prior written permission.
raywilsonphotography@googlemail.com