Sardine Run 2011: Gannets on the offensive
11 Jul
By Barry Skinstad, Earth-Touch marine crew
Finally! After three days of big weather, we’re back out at sea.
We launched through some huge surf and headed straight out. About 12km off the river mouth, we found a really nice baitball. It was great to see so many gannets diving – especially since we managed to line ourselves up with the wind and get really close to the action.
The diving and splashing went on for about an hour and we managed to get some great footage. With brilliant weather predicted, we’re hoping this is just the start of an exciting week of Sardine Run action.
A gannet adopts the characteristic arrowhead shape seconds before plunging into the water.
A sardine baitball sparks a feeding frenzy.
A telltale splash marks the spot where a gannet has plunged into the water to retrieve a sardine.
Want to know all about the gannet’s role in the Sardine Run? Check out our latest infographic.
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