The Gannets are back at Muriwai...

There are only two places in the world where Gannets roost on the mainland and not simply on off shore Islands... Mind you some people think of New Zealand as those isolated Islands down in the South Pacific. Cape Kidnappers in Hawkes Bay is one and it is a long trip along the shoreline at low tide to see them and the other is at Muriwai a wild west coast beach just north of Auckland.

The Gannets come back to roost from August onwards and the Auckland Regional Council. Have constructed good walking tracks along the cliff tops and viewing platforms. It does not seem to disturb the birds as their numbers grow each year.

Here are a couple of photos from Muriwai. TH birds were just in the process of getting reacquainted and it was great to see them doing their synchronised grooming and greeting.

A white faced heron also popped in to see what was in the flax bushes.