Saturday 18 September 2010

Leach's Storm Petrels

Well this week has been one of those weeks when the conditions were just right for the Leach's Storm Petrels to be pushed into our shores.

In mid September here on the Wirral if we get strong North Westerly winds for a few consecutive days, these small birds are forced into Liverpool bay and the Mersey estuary, they then work their way West along the North Wirral coastline, often right along the edge of the shore.

Photographing them is a real challenge, firstly the wind is gale force and just standing up is hard enough, pointing the camera at them and trying to get them in focus is another story, along with being sand blasted and getting covered in salt spray, it is quite exhausting. This week I have put in 26 hours in these conditions and I felt like I had done 10 rounds with Mike Tyson.

It's frustrating that the light wasn't better, I managed to get very few shots with the sun on them, but there may be another chance this year

4 comments:

Mike Randall Bird Photography said...

Wonderful set of shots Steve, well worth the 26 hours!

Unknown said...

Great series, as always, Steve!

Sam and Lisa said...

Truly outstanding.

Glen Webber (NZ Wildlife Photography) said...

A stunning set of images Steve. And a beautiful bird.

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