2/18/15

Gannet Beach Adventures

While we were in Hawke's Bay, we hopped onto the back of a trailer and were pulled out along the beach by an old, old American tractor! It was part of the 4-hour Gannet Beach Adventure experience (click for link) to Cape Kidnappers to see a gannet colony up colse. 

 We were treated to some great scenery and commentary as we were pulled along places you wouldn't think any vehicle could go! Even for 'cautious' folk like me, it was a fun trip. Of course, there were a few times when the driver told us to 'hold on' but mostly, it was quite pleasant going. Here are just a few of the photos that Hubby and I took.

gannets-hawkes-bay


This is part of the first colony along the beach. The second was a walk at the end of the beach, but we didn't go that far.

The gray babies were more interested in us visitors than the adults.




This was a great trip along the beach, even without seat belts!




19 comments:

mick said...

Great photos of the gannets and the trip along the beach. Many, many years ago I walked along that beach with my parents to see the gannets. There was no easy ride back then - you walked all the way! Thanks for bringing back the memories.

Al said...

What a great beach - that looks like a fun way to travel.

Taken For Granted said...

Looks like you had a great time on the beach. That old American tractor is a Minneapolis Moline from the 1950s. It should be painted the yellow color of the gas tank, not the orange, but why complain? Fine bird photos.

Unknown said...

Definitely looks like a fun trip. Nice captures of the gannets too.

Lea said...

Oh what fun!
Great photos!

Margaret Birding For Pleasure said...

What a wonderful fun trip. Gannets look great.

Karen @ Pieces of Contentment said...

What a great trip - a tractor and people trailer. The grey babies look almost as large as their parents.

Breathtaking said...

The Gannets are beautifully phoographed. They have such decorative beaks, and make lovely subjects to photograph and the young ones are cute. It looks like you had a great time.
Best Regards.

Marilyn Kircus said...

I would love to visit and see these birds. The only gannets I've seen were WAY out over the Atlantic ocean.

marsha said...

Oh my...these are such fabulous photos. The birds are beautiful!!

eileeninmd said...

Oh wow, what an awesome outing.. I love the Gannets and their babies. So cute! Great photos..

Linda W. said...

What a great way to explore the beach! Nice bird photos!

doodles n daydreams said...

How much fun is that? Great pics.

Diana

jp@A Green Ridge said...

What an awesome opportunity and great pix, Betty!!!...:)JP

Anonymous said...

That looks like the perfect way to take in the sights. Wonderful shots of the Gannets.

Ida said...

Now that looks like a fun way to tour the beach. Those were some cool looking birds.

Lovable Derek said...

This does look to be great fun, and you've taken some great pictures too.

Have a nice day.

A Colorful World said...

What fun! And some great photos of the birds.

CountryMouse said...

What a fun trip. The adult Gannets look like their heads are so soft and smooth. Those funny looking fluffy babies definitely look very interested in the visitors.