Gannet Glastonbury

Bass Rock. Described by Sir David Attenborough as "one of the Twelve Wildlife Wonders of the World". Who could not be tempted to go somewhere with an endorsement like that. So yet again, I head up north (I should probably just move up there for the amount of time I spend going up and down the M6) and despite the terrible weather, arrive in North Berwick to see a beautiful sunrise over the Bass and thousands of birds circling in the sky.

Typically, the British weather didn't hold out and with a prediction of high seas, we set off for the rock, first pausing to enjoy the spectacle of 'Chumming', where the fisherman throws fish to attract the gannets for a diving display. As a photographer, this was one of the few times I wished I had my camcorder with me because nothing can portray the spectacle of a 3kg seabird plunging arrow-like from the sky into the sea, narrowly missing the boat and about thirty other gannets crowded round it. In fact one of my shots captured a gannet landing on the "life raft" formation of four other gannets who were waiting for a free feed.

Nothing can prepare you for the sight of the colony on the Bass. I thought I'd seen a lot of gannets at Bempton, but this is truly in another league. After clambering precariously from the boat (onto a sheer cliff face) you trek upwards through mud and three-inch thick gannet guano to a small area no more than a few metres square and come face to face (quite literally) with the gannets.

Provided you move slowly, the gannets seem to accept your presence and you can really get quite close to them. Although it's always best to stay out of pecking distance, given their tendancy towards aggressive behaviour. Woe betide any gannet foolish enough to crash land on another's nest (check out the gallery!). In fact one nearly crash landed on me, coming to a halt only inches from my rear end. Thankfully after a little game of steely blue eyed staring, he blinked first and left me in peace to continue my photography.

I was astounded by the way the parents continue to try to protect their chicks from the elements. It's most amusing seeing an adult gannet sitting on top of its chick which is actually bigger than its parent in vain attempt to keep the chick dry. But such was the weather that the poor bedraggled babies ended up looking like they were at a gannet version of Glastonbury! Equally entertaining was the feeding ritual where the adult appears to be trying to swallow their baby whole when in fact they are regurgitating a very unpleasant fishy stew for dinner.

My only gripe about the whole trip were the people who didn't realise that being perched on a rock in the middle of the North Sea in the pouring rain without any wet weather gear might make them a little bit sodden and even more grumpy. Such short-sightedness meant the visit was cut short for those of us who are a little more used to photographing in the 'glorious' British summer. I'd've happily stayed there all day given half a chance.

Take a look at my gallery for some of the trip highlights.