Cape Gannet

Morus capensis

Port St. Johns, Eastern Cape, South Africa

Nikon F100, Provia 400, Nikon 80 - 400 VR

Cape gannets live on islands near the Cape, leaving every year to follow the migration of sardines northwards.

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.

Following gannets and watching to see when they start diving is one of the best ways to locate a sardine bait ball.