The Gannet

The Gannet is Britain's most spectacular seabird, a heavyweight plunge-driver of verve and passion, thrilling to watch as it plummets headlong into the sea amongst a hailstorm of its fellows. Gannetries, heavy with the stench of ammonia, fish and seaweed, assail the senses unforgettably. The challenging, unaccompanied migration of young gannets precedes years of sea wandering before they face the dangers of establishing themselves in the breeding colony. Then follow perhaps decades of hard work, rearing young. This book describes the life history of the gannet from hatching until death and the formidable obstacles faced during the transition from naked squab to successful breeding adult.