Our Second Act-Taking the Plunge!

I am so happy that the Great Blue Heron in the fog resonated with so many of you - I appreciate knowing that - thank you. I have one more photo that I would like to share from that very foggy morning from MacMillan Pier…

Today I want to share many photos with you from a truly amazing experience that I had in Ptown - I was in the right place at the right time. I continue to work on organizing my Litchfield photos - I promise that the rest of those are coming as well! Thankfully Brian has figured out a work around for me in order to deal with a new “bug” that has been causing me problems and much frustration creating my posts. With his work arounds I was able to create today’s post for you. Brian - thank you!!

I trekked out from Hatches Harbor in Ptown well before sunrise to head to Race Point. Race Point is the northernmost point of Cape Cod. It is known for its very strong cross-currents and is often referred to as one of the coast’s windiest places. When standing on the beach in front of Race Point Light you feel the power of those amazing cross-currents, also known as “race”. Once I arrived I had hardly gone any distance at all when I saw an adorable Sanderling on the beach - separated from all of the gulls. I slowly made my way closer to her - I set my tripod down low and continued to “walk” on my knees to get a little closer. The wind was really blowing and she was doing her best just trying to not be blown down the beach. How can I ever complain about too much wind when these little puffballs are fighting so hard to stay on the ground?

Just after the above shot while still down low, look who was looking at me!

At dawn and dusk birds in huge flocks zip past while fighting the usually very strong winds out on Race Point. . The birds bobbing along on the water often ride very powerful and crashing waves. It is truly an incredible spot to spend time at - I just love it. I little further down the beach I saw hundreds and hundreds of Northern Gannets the closest I have ever seen them off the shore - flying, turning and diving for breakfast. Breathtaking!

Northern Gannets show up at the Cape in huge numbers during the late fall until mid-late winter. The last time that I saw Northern Gannets was in January of 2024 with Lorraine in New Zealand. Northern Gannets gather in large colonies to breed either offshore on rock outcroppings way out in the ocean or sometimes on cliffs on the edge of areas like the North Island of New Zealand. Northern Gannets are absolutely fascinating and stunning. The North Gannets in New Zealand are not the ones that migrate to the Cape - but they are the same species. I knew immediately knew the Gannets would have my attention as long as they were feeding off of Race Point. I hurried further along down the beach to get in a better position. For years I have seen them way out offshore at the Cape and watched them dive-bomb into the water like missiles -it is such a thrill to witness this feeding frenzy. I could feel it - this was the opportunity I have been waiting a very long time for…. photographing these magnificent birds while they were diving at high tide as close as they will ever be to shore!

In an article titled, “Gannets” in the New Zealand Geographic written by Jason Hosking, he stated -

“Seeing such frenzied attacks, one marvels at how rapidly this slender, graceful bird can transform into a deadly projectile. Plunging at up to 145 km per hour (approx. 90 mph) from as high as 30 meters (approx. 100 ft) above the sea, the birds can seize fish 10 meters (approx 32 ft) underwater. Small fish are swallowed where they are taken but larger specimens are carried back to the surface for eating. Actually, it’s surprising that the gannet is able to catch anything. You might expect the skull to fracture or its neck to snap upon hitting the water. However, special air sacs around the chest and neck cushion the impact and the front of the skull is strong. “

It is time to come along with me…. I hope that you enjoy and I hope that you can feel the thrill of witnessing these majestic birds!

Then looking to my left -

Looking way up above me and just out over the water -

Their turns are so graceful. I love that you can see these still shots as it is hard to take it all in when watching them live as they are soooo fast…. again, up to 90 mph!

Flew low right over the water in front of me…

This one immediately caught my eye! He had pulled out his feet from a tucked position to use them to slightly change his course as he was speeding towards the water -

It was a very big challenge for me to track a Northern Gannet from the top of their flight until they hit the water…. I absolutely loved the challenge!

I looked up immediately as I saw several shadows appear out over the water to see this stunning flock of Red Breasted Mergansers whizzing by!