Puffins.... mostly

[James G]

I have not posted much recently... been out and about too much.
I got down to Pembroke again last week to have a crack at photographing the Puffins. I took a trip around Skomer Island and photographed them on the water. Apart from being very hot (30+) there was quite a bit of glare so not the best I've ever taken, but I'm quite pleased to have any since the boat was not exactly stable either!

I had hoped to get onto the island for close up shooting but couldn't arrange it. Might try again early next month.

#1 Fresh and a bit dishevelled after a wash


#2


#4


#5 Grace and poise...just before before a very undignified splash landing!


#6 Puffin with Sand Eels... scrambling madly through the water to take of and head back with dinner!



#7 Razorbill


#8 Guillemot, Razorbills & Puffins



C&C welcome

[Geoff F]

Interesting shots of difficult subjects.

There are a few over exposed patches of white but what else can you do in strong sunshine? Serious under exposure loses the blacks. And if you pick an overcast day there are potential slow shutter speed issues.

#1 is an excellent shot with a nice reflection. Some good action scenes. Focus is a bit out with #3 but moving birds are so very tricky and they tend to move faster than I can focus.

[James G]

Thanks Geoff, #1 was the best 'technically' but the skittering take-off with the sand eels is my favourite. It was a bit different from those classic shots of the puffin outside the burrow with a beak full of the eels.

moving birds are so very tricky and they tend to move faster than I can focus

+1 to that.... I had thought afterwards that I possibly missed a trick by not 'burst' shooting. Problem is it seems a bit like cheating

[RandyRFJP]

Very nice work, James. The puffin with the sand eels is my favorite, too.

[Shadowman]

Nice series.

[Wavelength]

I revelled in their beauty......

[IzzieK]

#s 5 and 6 are my favourite of the action shots. Interesting trip you have there...