Wild Wednesday - meet the Gannet
If you've ever stood on the Sussex coast and spotted a gleaming white bird slicing low over the waves before suddenly plummeting into the sea like a feathery torpedo, chances are you've seen one of the UK's most impressive seabirds - the Northern Gannet, scientific name, Morus bassanus.
Known for their dramatic dives, striking looks, and huge wingspans, gannets are a highlight of Britain's marine wildlife.
The Northern Gannet is one of the largest seabirds in Britain, boasting a wingspan of up to two metres. Adults are bright white with black wingtips and a warm yellowish head, making them easy to identify even at a distance. Their long neck, tapered wings and sleek, streamlined body are all adaptations for life at sea.
They are masters of the plunge-dive - circling high above the water before tucking their wings and hitting the sea at speeds of up to 60 miles per hour to catch fish such as mackerel and herring.
The UK is a global hotspot for gannets, with around 220,000 pairs - an astonishing 70% of the world's population - nesting around our shores. Most colonies are in Scotland and parts of Wales and northern England, along with smaller numbers in the Channel Islands.
Because of recent declines, gannets are currently listed as a UK Amber conservation species, meaning they are of moderate conservation concern.
Where can you spot them in West Sussex?
While West Sussex doesn't host a breeding colony, it does offer good opportunities to see gannets offshore, especially during migration periods. Gannets can be observed around much of the UK coast as they travel, feed, and disperse from their breeding sites.
Top West Sussex spots for Gannet watching:
- Selsey Bill - famous sea watching point where gannets are regularly recorded passing offshore
- Pagham Harbour - though best known for waders and wildfowl, offshore scanning often reveals passing gannets
- Chichester Harbour and the South Coastline - great locations to watch for gannets gliding and diving, especially in windy conditions
During autumn, large numbers often disperse southward after the breeding season, making this the best time to catch a glimpse of these incredible birds off the Sussex coast.
July to November offers the best opportunity to see them as they move away from their breeding colonies. Binoculars or a telescope will help, but gannets are often large and close enough to spot by eye.
Wild facts
- gannets take three to five years to develop their full white adult plumage
- their specialised air sacs cushion the impact of high‑speed dives
- they can dive to depths of up to 22 metres after hitting the surface
The gannet embodies everything that makes the British coastline wild and wonderful - drama, resilience, and a breath-taking natural spectacle. Whether you're standing on a West Sussex headland or taking a walk along the shingle beaches, keep your eyes on the water.