The Northern Gannet, with a 2m wingspan, is Britain's largest and most majestic seabird. About 60% of the Atlantic population breeds around the British Isles with most colonies being on remote offshore islands. One exception is the small mainland colony at Bempton Cliffs in North Yorkshire.
Gannets take 5 years to reach adulthood. Juveniles have all dark wings and tail which get progressively whiter as they mature until only the "hand" remains black.
During May the birds are busy collecting nesting material for their nests...often taking the easier option of steeling from other nests rather than finding fresh material of their own!
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