Beachcombing is an activity that consists of an individual “combing” (or searching) the beach and the intertidal zone, looking for things of value, interest or utility. A beachcomber is a person who participates in the activity of beachcombing. Source: Wikipedia

With my love of the coast it is perhaps inevitable, even predictable, that the beachcombing bug would eventually have taken me under its wing. From a very young age we are encouraged to bring back a nice shell or interesting rock from family holidays so it only seems natural to continue that attraction for collecting into adulthood. Of course many of the most fascinating discoveries have to be left in place such as jellyfish or even the WW2 artillery shell I once found on Gower, but there are plenty of other things that worm their way back into our homes. Sitting behind me right now for instance is a bookcase containing everything from an old buoy and pieces of driftwood to my prized Oystercatcher skull which I still can’t believe we found completely intact. Last years trip to Mull resulted in another fantastic addition to this collection with the discovery of a Gannet skull at Port Uisken.

P1080992 - Gannet Skull
P1080998 - Gannet Skull

I always knew that these birds packed a punch but up close that beak really is something to behold. All I need to do now is clean the skull up a little and find some suitable manner in which to mount it.


4 Comments

Anonymous · September 24, 2014 at 9:20 pm

Gannets diving are one of my favourite sights. Those beaks are so impressive up close. Nice find.

    Adam Tilt · October 6, 2014 at 9:08 pm

    Cheers I was very happy to find this skull.

Sondra · September 25, 2014 at 2:26 am

wow, very interesting skull…

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