Gannet's Caress

A big seabird the Gannet "Morus bassanus" shows affection during the mating season on the Saltee Islands in Co Wexford Ireland. Gannets can enjoy a long courting season, and can be seen like human lovers with necks and wings entwined. This is like a long honeymoon period before they mate and, long after their offspring is raised, this amorous display of lovemaking continues. They are very noisy birds and produce a loud grating noises during mating season. This affection is captured beautifully in this image of a lovers embrace and elegantly framed with a white vignette.