Guillemot at sea

[Carol]

We went out on an RSPB Puffin cruise today, although because of the huge swells they did say that they would refund if we decided not to go. The journey started pretty sedately, but after we rounded the headland it got choppy. In fact we were going up and down an enormous amount. Although I normally travel well by boat, I felt quite green by the time we changed direction to return to the calm of Bridlington Harbour.

The people on the other side of the boat saw a porpoise which I was quite jealous of. I did see my first manx shearwater (two together in fact) however. There was also a red throated diver spotted, but it was at the front of the boat behind the large prow so out of our vision sadly.

We saw hundreds of guillemot and razorbill, along with kittiwakes, gannet, fulmar and some puffins in the water and fllying over. Keeping the focus point on my subject was very difficult as the boat rolled up and down.

I was really pleased with these two guillemot shots.

Guillemot at sea by Carol Leather, on Flickr

Guillemot at sea by Carol Leather, on Flickr

[Trev B]

Re: Guillemot at sea

You should have taken some bacon sandwiches with you, nothing like it when you're hanging over the Gunnel

[Dawesy]

Re: Guillemot at sea

Nice to see the birds over the water Carol , two nice shots , not easy when they are flying and you are getting thrown about in the boat.

[Carol]

Re: Guillemot at sea

Thanks for the suggestion Trev. Yuck. :)

Thank you Steve. Yes very tricky conditions, but enjoyable anyway. :)

[pelliott1954]

Re: Guillemot at sea

Two good shots, especially so considering the conditions

Paul

[colin C]

Re: Guillemot at sea

Nicely done Carol. Not easy when there is a swell.

As you probably found, the secret is to take your shot at the top, or the bottom of the swell. There is a split second when the boat isn't moving before it changes direction. Still hard though!