THE GANNET 367 



THE GANNET 

 [F. B. KIRKMAN] 



The genus Sula is nearly cosmopolitan in its range, but is chiefly 

 found in tropical or sub-tropical regions. Our gannet is its sole 

 representative on the northern waters and coasts of the Atlantic. 1 



The gannet's habitat is the open sea and the rock ledges where 

 it breeds ; it is seldom found inland, and only when storm-driven. 



More or less gregarious at all times, it is especially so in the 

 breeding season, when colonies of several thousands are formed, the 

 birds being then found nesting close to one another on the ledges 

 of the precipitous sides of high sea-washed islands. The most 

 famous in British waters is the Bass Rock (Firth of Forth), which 

 gives to the species its scientific name (bassana), and its popular 

 name both in German (Bass-tOlpel) and in French (fou de Bassari). 

 Well known also are Ailsa Craig and St. Kilda on the west of Scotland. 

 The Lundy Island colony, the only one in England, used to be famous, 

 but it has now ceased to exist, owing to the stupid and brutal 

 persecution to which the birds were subjected. 



Gannets arrive for the most part at their breeding-places in the 

 first quarter of the year, some earlier, others later. Records kept at 

 St. Kilda and the Bass Rock show that the first arrivals may appear 

 as early as the second week in January if the weather is favourable, 

 but it is not till February or March that the birds are present in large 

 numbers. 2 Recorded movements of gannets northward along the 

 Irish coasts show further that the period of arrival may extend into 

 May and June, but it is not clear for what breeding-station these late 



1 See " Classified Notes " for full details. 



2 Records kept by J. M. Campbell, head-keeper at the Bass Rock Light Station, are First 

 arrivals in 1908 in third week of January ; in 1909 in second week (in litt.). At St. Kilda a few 

 have been recorded as early as 13th January (Neil Mackenzie in the Annals Scot. Nat. Hist., 

 1905, p. 144). See also " Classified Notes." 



