An ungainly takeoff! by dide

An ungainly takeoff!

It was really, really windy at the gannet colony at Muriwai today. The birds were having trouble making elegant takeoff and landings. It's neat seeing them use their feet for rudders. It's also good to visit the colony on a windy day, as it helps dissipate the overpowering stench of fish and ammonia.
Looks decidedly ungainly. Perfectly timed capture.
December 11th, 2016  
At least not too many of the other birds are watching the take off.
December 11th, 2016  
Looks very ungainly... love the one hiding his/her head from the wind..
December 11th, 2016  
beautiful shot!
December 11th, 2016  
Gone with the wind ....
December 11th, 2016  
What a lovely capture!
December 11th, 2016  
Great capture - I almost feel sorry for the gannet's embarrassment
December 11th, 2016  
Must have just missed you. I was there today too. The sea was stunning, I managed to get soaked. Cracking photo, well done.
December 11th, 2016  
Love the gannets at Muriwai. Any eggs yet?
December 11th, 2016  
@spanner yes the sea was a magnificent colour, with the onshore wind creating lots of whitecaps. Heaps of kite surfers too.
December 11th, 2016  
@yorkshirekiwi eggs and some chicks and some still being lovey dovey and bringing each other nesting materials.
December 11th, 2016  
Great capture Dianne! Been windy down here too
December 11th, 2016  
Great composition, timing, colour and focus Dianne:)
December 11th, 2016  
A great capture :)
December 11th, 2016  
Priceless, love those feet ...
December 11th, 2016  
Great action shot Dianne
December 11th, 2016  
great timing!
December 11th, 2016  
Great action shot and Gannet colonies are amazing places
December 11th, 2016  
Great timing and dof.
December 11th, 2016  
Great shot and timing
December 11th, 2016  
Cool timing, wonderful capture!
December 11th, 2016  
Fav. Beautiful action shot. Love those gannets.
December 12th, 2016  
A great spot to watch these birds fav
December 12th, 2016  
Perfectly timed!
December 12th, 2016  
HILARIOUS capture! I often feel like this is how I move through the world. My heart and head are soaring, but the body doesn't quite cooperate. Ha! I've had seven broken bones in my adult life to add credibility to that statement.
December 12th, 2016  
Great photo. I must go there sometime to check them out.
December 15th, 2016  
@jyokota this is at the gannet colony at Muriwai.
December 24th, 2016  
@dide - Can you see these birds all year round? I'm fascinated with your photo and with the nesting one. If we stop in Auckland on our way to do OUR "south island photo trip" could I get to this colony?
December 25th, 2016  
http://www.newzealand.com/int/feature/muriwai-gannet-colony/ @jyokota depends on the time of year. The birds are there from about August to March.
December 25th, 2016  
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