365 Project, Day 184
Here is my day 184 submission to my 365Project:
Although my main purpose as marine mammal observer (MMO) on seismic vessels is to search for and observe marine mammals in relation to the ship's activities we also spent much of our time watching offshore seabirds. I still consider myself new to birding and I have a lot to learn but some species we see daily so are easy to learn to ID quite quickly. Today we had many sightings of regularly of a couple of these species; the Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus) and the Northern Fulmar (Fulmaris glacialis).
My favourite photo from today was this Northern Gannet on it's take off from where it was likely resting between it's fishing activities. We often see their spectacular fishing dives where they scan the seas from above then suddenly turn to the sea, dive straight straight down, wings tucked in tight, to pierce the surface of the sea with a large splash...which we often confuse to be splashes of dolphins when observed from a distance!
Although my main purpose as marine mammal observer (MMO) on seismic vessels is to search for and observe marine mammals in relation to the ship's activities we also spent much of our time watching offshore seabirds. I still consider myself new to birding and I have a lot to learn but some species we see daily so are easy to learn to ID quite quickly. Today we had many sightings of regularly of a couple of these species; the Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus) and the Northern Fulmar (Fulmaris glacialis).
My favourite photo from today was this Northern Gannet on it's take off from where it was likely resting between it's fishing activities. We often see their spectacular fishing dives where they scan the seas from above then suddenly turn to the sea, dive straight straight down, wings tucked in tight, to pierce the surface of the sea with a large splash...which we often confuse to be splashes of dolphins when observed from a distance!
Here are some more photos of both the gannet and the Northern Fulmar's (Fulmarus glacialis):
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