Photo: Cape Kidnappers Gannet Colony

Looking across the land all you can see are thousands of Australasian Gannets at the colony at Cape Kidnappers on the North Island of New Zealand.

The colony at Cape Kidnappers, Hawkes Bay on the North Island of New Zealand is home to adult male and female gannets as well as chicks that have just been born into the gannet world. In the months of May to mid July the gannet colony is empty except for large mounds where the gannets come to nest.

After the middle of July the male gannet returns to their own individual nests until the female, which are known to be the same mate, returns at a later date. Come the middle of August, both the female and male begin to collect items to build up their nests. In late September and into the majority of October, gannet chicks hatch and the colony at Cape Kidnappers in New Zealand continues to grow.

Each Australasian Gannet is quite at home at the Cape Kidnappers colony and thousands of visitors come annually to see this fascinating reserve. A true natural environment for the gannet where they feel safe and comfortable considering this particular type of bird is usually an island breeder. ... continue below the picture...

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The gannet colony at Cape Kidnappers was not established until 1870 with a population of approximately 50 birds but today it is known as the largest colony with about 2200 pairs.

Australasian Gannet adults and chicks, Morus serrator, at the Cape Kidnappers colony, Hawkes Bay, North Island, New Zealand.