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Destroying Angel
Percé, Québec
This northern gannet with its striking midnight black eyes isn't possessed by the dark lord, but the truth isn't a whole lot better. The coronavirus pandemic reminded us of a fact that birds have had to deal with all along: viruses are at their most efficient when they have large groups in close contact to work with. There's no such thing as social distancing in a gannet colony; it's up to fifty thousand birds all packed together on a cliff, with each one staking claim to a nest site that's no bigger than three square feet. When a virus such as H5N1 avian influenza shows up in such a place, there's nothing preventing it from ripping through the colony unchecked, with every infected bird posing a danger to every other individual it comes into contact with. If these unwitting destroying angels survive their own encounter with H5N1, it can leave a sinister calling card behind in the form of jet-black irises in the eyes. While researchers aren't yet sure what causes the color change, or whether or not it's actually harmful to the bird's eyesight, it's a sure sign that the bird has been infected in the past. How many others it managed to take down before it fought off the virus is anyone's guess.
Baryta Fine Art
A 100% cotton rag paper with a baryta lustre coating that provides a delicate shimmer without causing glare. The paper surface yields saturated colours and exceptional fine details that immediately catch the eye.
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Ultra smooth matte
This 100% cotton rag paper with an exceptionally smooth, silken finish provides deep blacks, intricate fine details, and no reflective coating.
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