| The
now famous breeding colony on Popes Eye in Port Phillip Bay first began
when an overflow from the Lawrence Rocks gannetry at Portland moved to
the nearest suitable island. Gannets are frequently seen patrolling the
sea just behind the breakers, or at other times a long way offshore. They
feed by diving at fish, often from 15m or more. When not feeding, they
may float on the water in rafts of 20 or more. At a distance they may
be mistaken for albatross' as they soar low over the water, but they are
smaller birds and they have black only near the wing-tips, while an albatross'
black extends across the back. |
