Gannets on Bonaventure Island

Another vigorous rest day.  We took a passenger ferry over to Bonaventure Island, a Quebec park and wildlife refuge which is home to over 100,000 large sea birds known as gannets.  I wish I had a picture of one diving, but as they go straight into the water at speeds up to 60 miles an hour, they are hard to capture.  However, there are thousands on the rocky ledges, making raucous noises while they pose.  They return to the same nest each year, hard to believe, as the nests are barely visible and the housing conditions are definitely crowded.

On the dock, ready to start a five mile hike around the island.  

Ledges of birds.

Babies lined up for us.

Handsome devil.

Close quarters.

Take off.

A couple of portraits.

Fire weed is ubiquitous along the St. Lawrence.  The color is a perfect complement to the sea and the sky.

Great hiking trails.

Quebec has quality outhouses.  These had rear windows looking into the woods.