Northern Gannet ~Morus bassanus~ landing on the nesting cliffs

Northern Gannets -Morus bassanus. Landing on the nesting cliffs is fraught with danger as the nests are close together and gannets are very aggressive. Equipped with dagger-like beaks and not being the most adapt at landing and take off the crowded colonies are constantly squabbling. Nesting Gannets seek a site that is often remote and with restricted access where strength in numbers is weighed against overcrowding. Nests are only just far enough apart to limit contact between nesting birds and arriving mates run the risk of attack when they land. Bempton Cliffs RSPB reserve on Flamborough Head is one of the few gannet colonies on the mainland.