Gannets Go Forth
Do you know someone who gulps down his food as if it’s going out of fashion, then he may be called a ‘ gannet’ that seabird with the ravenous reputation? But the feisty gannet is in fact a very fine member of the avian world and one that graces our seashores of the nation. And the world's largest colony of gannets is on Bass Rock in the Firth of Forth. Just last year the gannets on the rock, which has a very pretty lighthouse at its base, were devastated by bird flu. Bass Rock was a scene of carnage during the breeding season when thousands of birds died, but this year the gannet population has bounced back and then some.
The rock is uninhabited, which is one of the attractions for the birds, and the University of Edinburgh has carried out a population survey using drones and artificial intelligence. This glorious seabird gathers there in droves every year, with as many as 70,000 breeding pairs crammed onto the tiny speck of land. It’s packed with three pairs of birds sharing each and every square metre. Experts carried out blood tests on the Black Rock gannets to investigate their health and eye colouration and it found birds with black irises instead of the usual pale blue colour had better survived the avian flu. The black eyed variety is a fairly recent phenomenon as they were first spotted on the island in June 2022.
But for all those who love the avian world we have a lovely piece from Royal Crown Derby and it’s one of the great classics from their Paperweight Collection. Welcome this fluffy little Robin into your home. The little fellow is resplendent in his blue and gold plumage and that signal orange red breast. The detailing of the feathers is particularly fine. And, this being James Pirie we are pleased to offer a large slice off the price! The Robin includes the signature Royal Crown Derby Paperweight gold stopper in the base. Go on save a few bob and get a charming addition to your flock.
