Early Valentine

We recently returned from a week on Oahu.  Though the general birding isn't as good there as some of the other islands and the traffic has gotten ridiculous since I was stationed there 40 years ago, we chose it because we'd heard that a group of Laysan Albatrosses had established a rookery on Kaena point.  My wife doesn't do boats so she figured this was her best shot at seeing an Albatross.  It was a three mile walk in to the colony, so I didn't have early morning light, but the birds completely ignore humans, providing excellent opportunities.  The point is fenced off with double door entrances to minimize land based predators and with paths roped off to keep visitors (including photographers) where they belong, But there was one pair courting within five feet of the path. 

They have the most endearing habit of gazing at one another with the most soulful and worshipping gazes during courtship.  Hopefully this image captures a bit of that.

7D2, Sigma 150-600 Contemporary @ 150mm, handheld, f/8, 1/2000, iso 320, manual exposure (based on someone's white t-shirt).  Processed in LR5 & CS6.  Cropped from the sides to a 4x5 aspect ratio.  Taken January 18th at 11:07 AM Hawaii time.

Your comments and criticisms would be appreciated.

Thanks,