It was low tide at the Wellfleet Audubon Sanctuary on Cape Cod so we were able to walk all the way out to the beaches. You have to walk part of the way on a boardwalk that is submerged when the tides are higher.
We were treated to many shorebirds that day darting about the eddies, looking for food. But this Greater Yellowlegs was absolutely stunning as he waded through the water.
We were surprised to see this Northern Gannet diving for food at Coast Guard Beach the other day. At first we weren’t sure what kind of diving bird it was as it plummeted into the ocean over and over again.
Northern Gannets dive vertically into the sea at velocities of up to 62mph. It was just amazing to watch. He would fly around for a bit and then dive head first straight into the water while tucking his wings in like a missile.
And then he flew away. It was fun looking in my bird book to identify what kind of diving bird he was. Have you ever seen a Northern Gannet diving into the sea?
Cape Cod daily articles on the wonderful Cape Cod places to hike, experience and photograph. A Cape Cod Outdoor Adventure Series.