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.
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.
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!
