Red-faced Cormorant spreading its wings in flight on Saint Paul Island in Alaska's Pribilof Islands, photographed by Christopher Dodds. — **Red-faced Cormorant — Saint Paul Island, Alaska (***Phalacrocorax urile*, Cormoran à face rouge, Cormorán carirrojo, RFCO) from my Saint Paul Island, Alaska Workshop. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens @ 600 mm. ISO 2,500, f/6.3 @ 1/5,000s, manual exposure. Full-frame image.

At the Edge of the Bering Sea: Photographing the Red-faced Cormorant on Saint Paul Island

Christopher Dodds September 1, 2026

The Red-faced Cormorant isn't a bird most North American photographers get many opportunities to photograph. Saint Paul Island in Alaska's remote Pribilof Islands is one of the best places to change that.

Arctic Fox photographed at eye level against dark volcanic rock and sand on Saint Paul Island in Alaska's Pribilof Islands, with soft rim light outlining its ears and fur. — **Arctic Fox (*Vulpes lagopus*) — Saint Paul Island, Pribilof Islands, Alaska,** from my Saint Paul Island, Alaska Workshop. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 200-600mm f/5.6-6.3 G OSS Lens @ 600 mm. ISO 10,000, f/6.3 @ 1/5,000s, manual exposure. Full-frame image.

An Arctic Fox Encounter on Saint Paul Island, Alaska

Christopher Dodds August 31, 2026

An Arctic Fox on remote Saint Paul Island, Alaska, provided a wonderful opportunity to slow down, work with the light and create an intimate wildlife portrait.

Tufted Puffin flying up a cliff carrying a feather and vegetation to its nest against out-of-focus sea foam on Saint Paul Island, Alaska. — **Tufted Puffin With Nesting Material — Saint Paul Island, Alaska** (*Fratercula cirrhata,* Macareux huppé, Frailecillo coletudo, TUPU) from my Saint Paul Island, Alaska Workshop. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens @ 600 mm. ISO 3,200, f/7.1 @ 1/5,000s, manual exposure. Full-frame image from top to bottom.

Tufted Puffin With Nesting Material on Saint Paul Island, Alaska

Christopher Dodds August 28, 2026

A Tufted Puffin carrying a feather and nesting material races up the cliffs of Saint Paul Island as exploding sea foam creates the perfect background.

**Razorbill Flying Over the Gulf of St. Lawrence** (*Uria aalge*, Guillemot marmette, Arao común, COMU) from my Deluxe Puffins Galore Workshop , Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 Mark III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens and Sony 2X **teleconverter** @ 1,200mm. ISO 1,600, f/8 @ 1/5,000s, manual exposure. Full-frame image.

Common Murre With a Fish — Making the Most of Harsh Light

Christopher Dodds August 26, 2026

What do you do when the light gets harsh during a bird photography workshop? Keep photographing. This Common Murre carrying a fish on Île aux Perroquets is a reminder to practise tracking, study bird behaviour and always be ready for the extraordinary.

Atlantic Puffin in flight carrying fish through warm light against a dark background, photographed by Christopher Dodds in Quebec, Canada. — **Atlantic Puffin in Flight With Fish in Dramatic Light— Île aux Perroquets, Québec** (*Fratercula arctica,* Macareux moine, Frailecillo atlántico, ATPU) from my Deluxe Puffins Galore Workshop, Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 Mark III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 400–800mm F6.3–8 G OSS Lens @ 553 mm. ISO 3,200, f/7.1 @ 1/5,000s, manual exposure. Full-frame image.

Finding the Light: Previsualizing an Atlantic Puffin in Flight

Christopher Dodds August 24, 2026

Sometimes the photograph is waiting before the bird arrives. I found a tiny tunnel of beautiful light along an Atlantic Puffin flight path, positioned myself for the dark background — and waited.

Bald Eagle flying low over the water near Atlantic Puffins at Île aux Perroquets in Quebec's Mingan Archipelago, photographed by Christopher Dodds. — **Bald Eagle Flying Over Atlantic Puffins at Île aux Perroquets** (*Haliaeetus leucocephalus,* Pygarge a tete blanche, Pigargo americano BAEA) from my Deluxe Puffins Galore Workshop , Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 Mark III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens @600mm. ISO 1,600, f/4 @ 1/5,000s, manual exposure. Full-frame image.

Bald Eagle Surprise While Photographing Atlantic Puffins in Quebec

Christopher Dodds August 22, 2026

We were photographing Atlantic Puffins bathing on calm water at Île aux Perroquets when every bird suddenly scattered. Seconds later, a Bald Eagle came sweeping in low — a perfect example of why wildlife photographers should always be ready for the extraordinary while photographing the ordinary.

Merlin flying with the remains of a small shorebird, possibly a White-rumped Sandpiper, photographed by Christopher Dodds with a Sony a9 III and 600mm f/4 lens with 1.4X teleconverter at 840mm. — **Merlin Carrying Prey in Flight** (Falco columbarius, Faucon émerillon, Esmerejón, MERL) from my Deluxe Puffins Galore Workshop , Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 Mark III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens and Sony 1.4X Teleconverter @840 mm. ISO 20,000, f/5.6 @ 1/5,000s, manual exposure. Full-frame image.

Expect the Unexpected: A Merlin Flies By With Prey

Christopher Dodds August 20, 2026

We had been photographing Atlantic Puffins returning with fish since before sunrise when a different flight pattern caught my eye. Seconds later, a Merlin streaked past carrying what appears to be the back half of a White-rumped Sandpiper.

Atlantic Puffin flying through soft green vegetation with fish in its bill at Île aux Perroquets, Quebec, photographed by Christopher Dodds. — **Atlantic Puffin in Flight — The Last Frame of the Season** **— Île aux Perroquets, Québec** (*Fratercula arctica,* Macareux moine, Frailecillo atlántico, ATPU) from my Deluxe Puffins Galore Workshop , Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 Mark III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens @ 600 mm. ISO 5,000, f/4 @ 1/5,000s, manual exposure. Full-frame image.

The Last Puffin of the Season — An Image I Had Already Made in My Mind

Christopher Dodds August 19, 2026

Sometimes a wildlife photograph begins long before you raise the camera. I preconceived this Atlantic Puffin image on the long drive to Île aux Perroquets — then made it with the very last puffin frame of my 2026 season.

Atlantic Puffin flying with a bill full of fish photographed at close range in fog on Île aux Perroquets, Quebec, by Christopher Dodds. — **Atlantic Puffin with bill full of fish at 20,000 ISO — Île aux Perroquets, Québec** (*Fratercula arctica,* Macareux moine, Frailecillo atlántico, ATPU) from my Deluxe Puffins Galore Workshop , Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 Mark III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens @ 600 mm. ISO 20,000, f/4 @ 1/5,000s, manual exposure. Full-frame image top to bottom; cropped left and right to 4 x 5 aspect ratio.

Atlantic Puffin at ISO 20,000: Full Frame in the Fog

Christopher Dodds August 18, 2026

A foggy morning on Île aux Perroquets produced an unforgettable close encounter with an Atlantic Puffin carrying a bill full of fish. Photographed full frame at 600mm, 1/5,000 second and ISO 20,000, it's also a perfect example of why I don't fear high ISO when photographing birds in flight.

Razorbill flying with a mouthful of fish for its chick during Christopher Dodds' Atlantic Puffin Photography Workshop on Île aux Perroquets, Quebec. — **Razorbill Bringing Home Dinner** (*Alca torda*, Petit pingouin, Alca común, RAZO) from my Deluxe Puffins Galore Workshop , Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 Mark III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm. ISO 2,500, f/8 @ 1/5,000s, manual exposure. Full-frame image.

Razorbill Bringing Home Dinner | Atlantic Puffin Photography Workshop

Christopher Dodds August 17, 2026

A Razorbill races home with a beak packed with fish for its hungry chick on Île aux Perroquets, Quebec. I photographed this fleeting moment at 1200mm during my Deluxe Atlantic Puffins Galore Photography Workshop — composed in-camera, full frame and completely uncropped.

**Roseate Spoonbill Landing in Morning Fog with Wings Fully Extended***(Platalea ajaja,* Spatule rosée, Espátula rosada, ROSP). Image made April 3, 2026, while scouting for my Ospreys of Florida Workshop. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens @550mm ISO 20,000, f/8 @ 1/3,200s. Manual exposure. Full-frame image.

Photographing a Roseate Spoonbill Through the Fog Before My Florida Osprey Workshop

Christopher Dodds July 24, 2026

A Roseate Spoonbill emerges from dense morning fog while scouting before Christopher Dodds' Florida Osprey Workshop. Discover why difficult weather often creates the best wildlife photographs, why ISO 20,000 doesn't scare experienced photographers, and how learning to adapt to changing conditions can transform your bird photography.

Orange-crowned Warbler in flight photographed in warm evening light on Kodiak Island, Alaska. The tiny songbird is captured with wings fully raised against a soft golden background, showcasing its agile flight and delicate plumage. — **Orange-crowned Warbler in Flight** (*Leiothlypis celata,* Paruline verdâtre, Reinita coroninaranja, OCWA) Kodiak Island, Alaska, USA. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera with the new Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5 GM OSS Lens & Sony 2X teleconverter @800mm ISO 5,000, f/9 @ 1/5,000s. Manual exposure.

Orange-crowned Warbler in Flight on Kodiak Island, Alaska

Christopher Dodds June 29, 2026

While exploring Kodiak Island, Alaska, an Orange-crowned Warbler suddenly took flight, providing a perfect opportunity to test the new Sony FE 100–400mm GM, Sony a9 III, and 2X Teleconverter. Fast autofocus, incredible frame rates, and a little luck came together to capture this fleeting moment.

Golden-crowned Sparrow stretching after a shake while perched on the tip of a spruce tree in Alaska. Its wings are fully extended, revealing the bright yellow crown against a soft golden background. Photograph by Christopher Dodds. — **Golden-crowned Sparrow Landing on a Spruce Tip** (*Zonotrichia atricapilla,* Bruant à couronne dorée, Chingolo coronidorado, GCSP) Kodiak Island, Alaska, USA. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a1 II Mirrorless camera & the new Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5 GM OSS Lens & Sony 2X teleconverter @800mm ISO 10,000, f/9 @ 1/5,000s. Manual exposure.

Golden-crowned Sparrow Stretching After a Shake on a Spruce Tree on Kodiak Island, AK

Christopher Dodds June 26, 2026

While exploring the backroads of Kodiak Island, Alaska, Julie and I watched a Golden-crowned Sparrow perform a quick stretch after a shake, briefly revealing the bright golden crown that gives the species its name. Moments like this last only an instant, reminding us why patience—and being ready—are so important in wildlife photography.

Juvenile White-winged Crossbill perched on a stinging nettle plant against a soft yellow-green background. The bird's distinctive crossed bill and white wing bars are visible as it feeds among the seed heads in natural habitat. — **Juvenile White-winged Crossbill on Stinging Nettle** (*Loxia leucoptera,* Bec-croisé bifascié, Piquituerto aliblanco, WWCR) from my Deluxe Puffins Galore Workshop, Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 400-800mm f/6.3-8 G OSS Lens @705mm ISO 40,000, f/8 @ 1/2,500s. Manual exposure. Full frame image.

Juvenile White-winged Crossbill on L’île aux Perroquets During the Deluxe Atlantic Puffin Workshop

Christopher Dodds June 6, 2026

A Juvenile White-winged Crossbill continued to surprise participants on my Deluxe Atlantic Puffin Workshop by remaining on L’île aux Perroquets for a second day. Far from its typical boreal forest habitat, this nomadic finch provided rare photography opportunities on a small treeless island off Quebec's North Shore.

Blue-headed Vireo perched on a bare branch during spring migration at Point Pelee National Park, showing its blue-grey head, bold white spectacles, yellow flanks, and soft creamy background. — **Blue-headed Vireo** (Vireo solitarius, Viréo à tête bleue, BHVI) from my SONGBIRDS OF PELEE WORKSHOP at Point Pelee National Park of Canada in Leamington, Ontario, Canada ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Sony Alpha a1 Mark II Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm. ISO 20,000, f/8 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure. Full frame image.

Blue-headed Vireo at Point Pelee During Spring Migration

Christopher Dodds June 5, 2026

Some migration mornings at Point Pelee start quietly. Then one cooperative Blue-headed Vireo appears down low, and suddenly, fifty birders and photographers are gathered around a single bird, enjoying the moment.

Yellow-throated Vireo perched on a branch at Point Pelee National Park during spring migration. Bird photograph captured during Christopher Dodds' Songbirds of Pelee wildlife photography workshop. — **Yellow-throated Vireo at Point Pelee During Spring Migration** (*Vireo flavifrons*, Viréo à gorge jaune, Vireo gorjiamarillo, YTVI) from my SONGBIRDS OF PELEE GALORE WORKSHOP Point Pelee National Park of Canada ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Sony Alpha a1 Mark II Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 1.4X Teleconverter @840mm. ISO 2,500, f/5.6 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure. Full-frame image.

Photographing a Yellow-throated Vireo at Point Pelee During Spring Migration

Christopher Dodds June 4, 2026

Yellow-throated Vireos are often heard long before they're seen, and even more rarely photographed well. During my Songbirds of Pelee workshop, this bird spent time feeding at eye level in Tilden Woods, giving us outstanding views and excellent photography opportunities during spring migration at Point Pelee.

American Bittern swimming low in calm water near the Marsh Boardwalk at Point Pelee National Park, Ontario, creating a reflection and wake as it crosses open water. — **American Bittern Swimming Through the Marsh at Point Pelee** (*Botaurus lentiginosus,* Butor d'Amérique, Avetoro lentiginoso, AMBI) Image created while scouting for my Songbirds of Pelee Workshop at Point Pelee National Park of Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a1 Mark II Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm. ISO 8,000, f/8 @ 1/5,000s. Manual exposure. Full frame image.

American Bittern Swimming at Point Pelee: A Rare Marsh Photography Moment

Christopher Dodds June 3, 2026

Most photographers are thrilled just to see an American Bittern. Watching one swim across open water is even rarer. This unusual behaviour photographed from the Marsh Boardwalk at Point Pelee offered a glimpse into a secretive marsh bird that spends most of its life hidden among reeds and cattails.

Brown Thrasher perched on a lichen-covered branch during spring migration at Point Pelee, Ontario, surrounded by soft green forest background. — **Brown Thrasher on Lichen-Covered Perch at Point Pelee** (*Toxostoma rufum,* Moqueur roux, Cuitlacoche rojizo, BRTH) Image created during my Songbirds of Pelee Workshop at Point Pelee National Park of Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony A1 Mark II Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 1.4 X Teleconverter @840mm. ISO 20,000, f/8 @ 1/5,000s. Manual exposure. Full frame image.

Brown Thrasher at Point Pelee During Spring Migration

Christopher Dodds May 28, 2026

This Brown Thrasher briefly stepped onto a beautifully lichen-covered perch beside the trail at Point Pelee National Park while feeding young hidden deep inside a nearby brush pile. The moment lasted only seconds, but having my manual exposure already locked in made it possible to react instantly before the bird disappeared back into the cover.

**Black-and-white Warbler Creeping Down a Woodland Vine at Point Pelee** (*Mniotilta varia,* Paruline noir et blanc, Reinita trepadora, BAWW) Image created during my Songbirds of Pelee Workshop at Point Pelee National Park of Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a9 Mark III Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 1.4 X Teleconverter @840mm. ISO 6,400, f/8 @ 1/5,000s. Manual exposure. Full frame image.

Black-and-white Warbler Creeping Into the Open at Point Peleed

Christopher Dodds May 27, 2026

You usually hear a Black-and-white Warbler before you see one. During my Songbirds of Pelee workshop, this bird worked high overhead while a Blue-headed Vireo sang nearby, forcing photographers to make the classic Point Pelee migration decision — stay put or chase the next bird. Patience paid off when the warbler suddenly crept down a twisting woodland vine, completely out in the open at eye level.

Male Wilson’s Warbler perched on a rain-soaked branch holding an insect in its bill during spring migration at Point Pelee, Ontario. — **Wilson’s Warbler with Insect Prey During Spring Migration** (*Cardellina pusilla,* Paruline à calotte noire, Reinita de Wilson, Cardellina pusilla, WIWA) Image created during my Songbirds of Pelee Workshop at Point Pelee National Park of Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony a1 Mark II Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 1.4 X Teleconverter @840mm. ISO 10,000, f/8 @ 1/5,000s. Manual exposure. Full frame image.

Rain, Reflexes, and a Wilson’s Warbler at Point Pelee

Christopher Dodds May 22, 2026

A gloomy forecast, steady rain, and fast reflexes came together perfectly during my Sony-sponsored Point Pelee photo walk when this Wilson’s Warbler briefly landed with a beak full of insects while refuelling during spring migration.