Buller's Shearwater

Besides being an avid bird photographer, I am also a die hard birdwatcher; I appreciate all species, not just those traditionally thought of as the most photogenic. Such is the case with the Buller's Shearwater, a New Zealand nester that migrates south well off of the California Coast in the fall of each year. 

Photographing these birds is incredibly tough as one must use organized, pelagic birding trips of 8-10 hours to access their usually rough, offshore habitat. You really have to earn these shots, particularly in the Monterey Marine Sanctuary where chumming is not permitted. Sea spray, constantly pitching decks, and whatever lighting conditions avail themselves make photographing these and other fast-flying pelagic birds about as difficult as it gets.

This bird was among dozens chasing anchovies that were pushed to the surface by feeding Humpback Whales well off Half Moon Bay, California this past weekend. We got lucky and the whales surfaced right near our boat and thus brought this super bird into shooting distance.

I was very happy with the result, particularly given the overcast conditions. 

Canon 400mm f/4 IS DO II on EOS 7D2
1/4000 at f/4, ISO 1600

If anyone is ever interested in going pelagic birding in California, please contact me. I help organize and lead trips for a number birding companies/outfits. 

Thanks for looking!

Dorian