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.

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

Gannets that have satiated themselves - or have become too full to lift off from the water - sometimes form large rafts on the surface.