Anthropomorphism

We often tend to assign human personalities to animals. This Gannet looks like a nosy busybody neighbour who's always minding somebody else's business. In reality, Gannets have a complicated greeting ritual that they go through when their mates return to the nest site after a fishing expedition. The birds point their bill towards the sky and perform a rhythmic dance that looks like a fast paced fencing match.

One of the largest and most easily accessible Gannet Rookeries is located on Bonaventure Island, just off the coast of the Gaspe Peninsula in the province of Quebec. There are walking trails along the tops of the cliffs where the gannets nest. In many places, the fences that separate the birds from the human visitors permit fairly close access because the birds have grown accustomed to humans over the years. Still, in order to be able to get as tight a shot as this required the 560 mm lens.

Note the little sparkle reflected in the bird's eye. This is referred to as a "catch light". Catch lights are critical in bringing photos of animals an people to life.