Gone to See Europe. Semester at Sea Spring 2013 Enrichment Voyage on the MV Explorer. Day 31: At Sea, North Sea.
Several Northern Gannets followed the ship as we crossed the North Sea. I think the birds use the ship to provide lift as they hunt for fish being disturbed by the wake of the ship. One of the Northern Gannet flew with one foot out. I don’t know if it was injured or was using the foot to provide drag? It is amazing that these birds spend almost all year at sea — only spending time on land to breed and raise their young. Image taken with a Nikon D4 camera and 80-400 mm VR II lens(ISO 180, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/400 sec).
Northern Gannet in flight with one foot down in the evening sun. Image taken with a Nikon D4 camera and 80-400 mm VR II lens(ISO 180, 400 mm, f/5.6, 1/400 sec). (David J Mathre)
Author: David Mathre
I am a scientist by training (Eckerd College, BSc; Caltech, Ph.D.). I worked for 27 years as a Chemist in the Pharmaceutical Industry developing processes to manufacture medicines for human and animal health. I now spend my time as a photographer and world traveler. My interests include the natural world, wildlife, landscapes, sky, and seascapes, travel, and astrophotography. I look for unique ways of viewing the world and presenting my images. I have traveled to over 55 countries in six continents, often on Semester at Sea voyages. While at home in New Jersey, I spend time on home renovation and expansion of a wildflower garden/meadow.
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