Northern gannet

The northern gannet can be distinguished from other birds on the mountain by its white plumage and wings that look as if they have been dipped in ink. During the breeding season, it also develops a yellow crown on its head. The northern gannet can be seen on the lower slopes of Rundebranden, where they live in a large colony. Before humans started using plastic at sea, they built their nests out of straw and seaweed. Now, we can see a display of color on the mountainside, where the gannets have incorporated discarded rope and netting into their nests.

They likely have the only increasing population on the bird mountain.

Northern gannets are plunge-diving birds and can be seen around the various islets and skerries off the island in search of fish. If you spot a gannet out fishing, you might see it dive at a top speed of 100 km/h!

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