Gannets are superb plunge divers, reaching speeds of over 60mph as they hit the water. They can do this without injury due to several useful adaptations: they have no external nostril air holes; they have very thick skulls; and they have airbag-like sacs around their necks and shoulders to protect their bodies during a dive. And with a wingspan of 6ft they are spectacular birds to watch in flight. They do not acquire their full adult plumage until the fifth year.
Location: off Blackwaterfoot Beach, Arran, Scotland, in May.