This post is not about VA birds, but relates to a species that we see
around here. I think the inquiry will be of interest to some VA birders,
particularly the responses of those in the know.
Gannets are often around in coastal areas of VA in the fall and winter, and
of course they breed in colonies far up north. However, I know nothing
about the timing of migration and dispersal for these birds, especially
juveniles. A friend asked me to identify this bird that was photographed in
coastal Alabama recently. I'm pretty sure it's a Gannet, but is it odd for
it to be down there already, and so near shore (pictures taken from a beach
with a whimpy camera)? Also, is this a hatch-year bird? Thanks for any help...
http://www.vims.edu/fish/students/dhewitt/gannet_AL.htm
Dave Hewitt
Gloucester, VA
