A pair of Northern Gannets caught my attention as they were flying over the ocean near Machias Seal Island, which is 12 miles away from Grand Manan, New Brunswick. Colonies of these large and graceful seabirds breed on steep slopes or rocky cliffs of oceanic islands. They spend their remaining time on the sea. Northern Gannets are lifelong monogamous mates. I captured this image in mid June during breeding season, so I assume this pair is a couple.   

This is the largest seabird in the North Atlantic with a 38 inch wingspan. I have visited Machias Seal Island for Puffin photography several times but have only seen these birds once. Like the Puffin, they are seabirds so are not frequently seen on shore except to breed. Their summer range is off the Coast of the Canadian Maritimes so I feel fortunate to have photographed this beautiful bird from Machias Seal Island. I had no idea what it was, just that it was big, beautiful and I had never seen one before!!!