Had a very productive 10 days at Cape St. Mary's, Newfoundland and got all the work done we needed to. Gannet breeding success plots are set up and I'll be flying all the colonies in mid-July to do our 5-year census.
I hadn't seen Tony Power for about three years so it was great to get together. Tony is the Reserve Manager at the Cape and is a great guy. I recommend the place to anyone who has a calling for salt water, fresh air, fine people and great wildlife.
You HAVE to go Axel! Not only are there gannets there but in the colony there are also kittiwakes, Razorbills, Common Murres, Thick-billed Murres (the most southerly colony in the world), and in the vicinity, Horned Larks, American Pipits, Willow Ptarmigan, Caribou, Short-tailed Swallowtails and lots of Arctic plants.
Gus- Birds are there from about May to August/September. Second week of July is peak because the capelin (fish) come in to spawn on local beaches and that brings the whales inshore as well (oh yeah forgot the whales in my last message!). However, this is also a foggy time of year because the summer air is moist and the prevailing winds are on-shore. Even in fog though you can see the gannets and it makes for some great photo ops.
Love the captured moment with friends. Glad you were able to see each other after three years and I am sure it was a very memorable time. Thanks for sharing this with us John !!!