In the early morning, on the charter boat Pauletta, heading out to look at pelagic birds is always full of promise. In particular, for me, that I'll see interesting birds in circumstances that make beautiful photos.

On this May morning, the light on the rocks at the entrance to the bay with a gull backlit was a pleasingly in sync with my happy disposition. Little did I know it would be my first photo of an albatross for the day. Look closely. There was one of these wonderful birds just on the other sides of the headland.

The rest of the day didn't disapoint.