Cape Gannet

Morus capensis

Port St. Johns, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Nikon F100, Provia 400, Nikon 80 - 400 VR

Gannets can only reach the sardines after dolphins have maneuvered part of the shoal up into shallow water. Then they dive vertically down into the water, folding the wings for the initial entry.

Underwater, the sound of these large birds striking the water at full speed sounds like a gunshot. In rough waves, if the gannet strikes the water surface at an awkward angle, it can easily break its neck.