Bruny Island Birdlife - Gannet

 

Bruny Island is home to abundant birdlife, including all 12 species endemic to Tasmania. Some are critically endangered, such as the Forty-spotted Pardalote, the Swift Parrot, and the Tasmanian Wedge-tailed Eagle. All 12 endemic species are protected under Tasmania's Nature Conservation Act 2002.

Bruny Island is a popular place for bird watching, and has been named in the top 10 bird watching sites in Australia by Australian Birdlife magazine.

Watch out for the next Bruny Island Bird Festival, (date TBA).

Photos from award winning photographer Rod Hartvigsen

 

Australasian Gannet

Gannet

The Australasian Gannet (Morus serrator) is a large seabird found in coastal areas around Australia and New Zealand. They grow up to 95cm long

Habitat

Gannets are sea birds, spending most of their time at sea except when breeding. There are several breeding colonies on isolated islands off Tasmania. Gannets in flight can sometimes be seen while taking the Bruny Island ferry.

Behaviour

Gannets are expert fishers and plunge dive into water from great heights, reaching speeds up to 100km/h, to catch fish or squid.

Conservation

The gannet is not an endangered species.