Photo: Muriwai Gannet Colony Sunset

A single gannet situs upon the rock cliff at the Muriwai Gannet Colony near Auckland, New Zealand as the sunset turns another day into a magical evening.

The yellow rays of the sun reflect off the water at sunset with the clouds lingering above this single gannet upon the rocks at the Muriwai Gannet Colony in New Zealand. The Gannet stands peacefully and gives us the perfect opportunity to get this closeup. There is nothing around but the gannet, the waves crashing against the rocks below and the beautiful sunset across the horizon.It is amazing that this Gannet can get any privacy as the Muriwai Gannet Colony has about 1,200 pairs of adults that return here each year. Between March and August is the best time to view the Muriwai Gannet Colony as summer is when they nest.This picture is of an adult gannet as it takes about five years for a young one to reach maturity and acquire its distinctive coloring. They usually stay with their mate over several seasons and this lonely gannet may be waiting for its mate to return.The Muriwai Gannet Colony ... continue below the picture...

... on the North Island is one of three around the mainland of New Zealand but this coast also offers beaches, rough waters, very strong winds and beautiful sunsets. This is exactly the kind of area that the Gannets love as they perch upon the high rock close to the open waters.Gannet, Morus serrator, at the Muriwai Gannet Colony during sunset, Muriwai Beach, Muriwai, near Auckland, Waitakere, West Coast, North Island, New Zealand.