Muriwai is another beautiful black sand beach in western Auckland. What makes this one unique is the Gannet colony, one of only three in New Zealand. These birds are graceful flyers and are mesmerizing to watch glide around. Muriwai is home to the adult birds, who return every Spring to mate with their "life partner". In November / December they hatch a lone egg per pair. In Feb-March the chicks start a journey to Australia, traveling over 2,000 KM! After 2-6 years, the Gannets in Australia will travel back across the Tasman Sea to NZ, never making the journey to Oz again.
More photographs at: https://picasaweb.google.com/114612877246919085926/MurawaiBeach#
The colony in Cape Kidnappers is great. It's huge and the ride out to their home is fun.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are breathtaking Eric! That wave is just fabulous! Is that bird flying upside down?
ReplyDeleteThe teacher in me can't help it. I think you are mesmerized not memorized by the birds. lol
Jerry, we'll have to check that out. Got any other highlights we should check out?
ReplyDeleteAunt V, nice catch. Spelling has never been my strong suit. Spell checker didn't save me on that one. The beach photographs itself! We were above the bird, so were looking down on it.