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As we rounded Stranny Point at the SW corner of Ailsa Craig we were struck by two things. The first was the wonderful quality of the light and clarity of the air.
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The second was the sheer number and noise of thousands of croaking gannets. Over 40,000 pairs of gannets return to breed each spring after wintering in west Africa.
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Every available ledge was occupied by a gannet nest and every inch was fiercely defended from any of its neighbours' encroachments.
Oh, I think I might have forgotten to mention the rich smell! Truly a visit to Ailsa Craig at breeding time is one of the natural world's great experiences!
05/05/2008
I am sorry not to have posted during my visit to Taiwan or during my recovery from jet lag!