Perry Hoffman wrote, "I saw these birds cawing and pursuing each other and wondered if it was a mating ritual... turn out I was correct. I did a composite photo to show them in action

I've read that Pigeon Guillemots are socially monogamous and keep their pair bonds for many  breeding seasons. In spring, pairs return to the breeding grounds, like here off the Mendonoma Coast, and begin courtship near the nest site. The male often chases or circles the female at sea, calling, and sometimes pursues her underwater. And that's what Perry saw and photographed.

On land, the male circles or even jumps over the female, pointing his bill downward and raising his red feet conspicuously as he marches. The female, suitably impressed, circles the male, and then indicates her acceptance.

To hear their very high-pitched calls, here is a link to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's website: https://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Pigeon_Guillemot/sounds

Thanks to Perry for allowing me to share his photo with you here. To see more of Perry's photography and artwork, here is the link to his website: https://magentaraven.com/

Sunny and warm today with a gentler breeze than yesterday!