Razorbills, Puffins, and the Magic of L’Île aux Perroquets — 2025 Workshop Wrap-Up

Razorbills, Puffins, and the Magic of L’Île aux Perroquets — 2025 Workshop Wrap-Up

There's a special kind of magic that happens on L’Île aux Perroquets — a tiny, windswept island off the coast of Quebec, where seabirds soar above the Gulf of St. Lawrence and every corner hums with wild beauty.

As we wrapped up our 2025 Deluxe Atlantic Puffin Workshops, one moment stood out in particular: a Razorbill slicing through the air, a glimmering fish clamped tightly in its beak. With powerful, purposeful wingbeats, it returned to its burrow hidden among the rocks — where a hungry chick waited for dinner. It's these small, fleeting encounters that stay with us long after we've left the island.

Razorbills, though often overshadowed by their more famous cousins, the Atlantic Puffins, are just as captivating. They're expert divers, capable of reaching depths of over 100 meters in search of prey. Monogamous and fiercely devoted, these birds return each year to the same breeding grounds — and often the same mate — to raise their single chick.

L’Île aux Perroquets is one of the rare places in Quebec where you can witness this intimate part of their life cycle up close. Alongside the Razorbills, we shared the island with thousands of Puffins, Common Murres, and the occasional curious Gray Seal or passing Minke Whale (We saw 25 different individuals — including a couple of calves — in a single afternoon). The biodiversity here is astounding, and every day offered new sights, sounds, and stories.

Our home for the workshops — the beautifully restored lighthouse keeper's house — offered cozy accommodations, warm meals, and a front-row seat to one of North America's most unique seabird colonies. As always, it was a dream setting for photography, learning, and meaningful connection with nature.

Looking back at the smiling faces in our final group photo, it's clear: this place leaves a mark. Whether it was the thrill of capturing the perfect in-flight shot, watching Puffins clumsily land in the grass, or soaking in the island's serenity under the midnight sun, everyone left with full memory cards and fuller hearts.

Until next time, L’Île aux Perroquets — merci for another unforgettable experience. Adieu!

Razorbill Flying with fish (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 a1 Mark II Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm. ISO 1,000, f/8 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure. Full frame image.

Group 1: Bob, Susan, John, Monica, Cindy, Gail and Joe. Missing is Dr. Vic, who had to leave early to make his clinic.

Group 2: Lisa, Denise, Don, Susan, Ellen, Jack, Bill, Hugh and Denise

Group 3: Alan, Anne, Kathy, Scott, Tim, Kathy, Dick and Mark.

Group 4: Paula, Fran, Todd, Michele, Pat & Anita

Group 5: Randi, France, Maya, and that is Captain Arnold getting us safely back to shore.

An Unforgettable Encounter: Razorbills in the Fog

It's one thing to spot a Razorbill, but it's an entirely different experience to find yourself in a truly magical moment with a variety of seabirds. During a recent Deluxe Atlantic Puffins Galore Workshop, my group and I were in for a significant surprise. Despite my decades of experience, none of us were prepared for the incredibly rare conditions we encountered.

The scene was like something out of a dream: we were sitting on a beach, wrapped in a thick fog that created a sense of peaceful solitude. The water was perfectly still, like a sheet of glass, and a lone Razorbill floated just offshore. Before we knew it, the single bird was joined by a growing number of Puffins, more Razorbills, and even a few mother Common Eiders with their chicks. For over an hour, it was just us and a sea of beautiful birds. The excitement was absolutely palpable!

Capturing the Moment

To get the perfect shot in moments like these, it's all about perspective. I knew I had to get my camera as low as possible to capture the birds at water level. I rotated the lens foot to the top of the lens, using it as a handle to suspend the camera just above the water's surface. My lens hood got a little wet, but it was worth it. I rotated the flip-out LCD screen to view and frame the image—a tricky maneuver that I make sound easier than it may be.

More Kudos

“Looking forward to that magical puffin island? Well, Chris has found it! Eat, sleep and photograph puffins! Just a short walk from your accommodations are puffins! And more puffins! Staying on island with the puffins maximizes your time with them. The food is amazing! And Chris knows the island, and best places to be for the best shot. What a wonderful experience!”

- Anita Wooldridge Colorado | USA Deluxe Atlantic Puffins Galore Workshop August 2025

Razorbill Wing Stretch (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 a1 Mark II Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm. ISO 2,000, f/8 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure. Full frame image.

Razorbill Wing Stretch and more Kudos

For five incredible Deluxe Atlantic Puffins Galore Workshops, the weather for photographing Atlantic Puffins was nothing short of spectacular. We were treated to a variety of conditions, from cool, windy days that created a thrilling spectacle of puffins swirling effortlessly through the air, to serene, foggy mornings where the water was so still it created a perfect mirror for magical reflections.

Overall, the weather was wonderfully cool and crisp, but we were fortunate enough to avoid the smoke from the devastating wildfires that have plagued so many other areas. One unforgettable moment was watching a magnificent Razorbill preen and stretch, seemingly putting on a show for our cameras. As the fog lifted, a glassy sea was revealed, providing a stunning backdrop to the scene.

More Kudos:

I recently attended Christopher’s Deluxe Puffin Workshop and it exceeded all of my expectations.  Christopher;’s instruction was knowledgeable, patient, insightful and tailored to all skill levels.  The location was superb with made the learning experience both engaging and enjoyable.  The balance between technical instruction and hands-on practice was perfect, allowing me to immediately apply what I learned.  I walked away not only with new skills and techniques, but also with a renewed sense of inspiration and confidence in my photography.  I highly recommend any of Christopher’s workshops to anyone looking to grow as a photographer or elevate their craft.  This is my second workshop with Christopher Dodds, but it will not be my last!
 - Monica Slack San Diego | CA |USA

Razorbill Wing Stretch (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 a1 Mark II Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm. ISO 12,500, f/8 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure. Full frame image.

Razorbill in flight with beak full of fish

Last-Minute Opening: Your Chance to Photograph Atlantic Puffins in Quebec!

Sometimes, the stars align just right! If you've been dreaming of capturing the charm of Atlantic Puffins with your camera, this is your moment.

Due to a last-minute cancellation, a couple of highly sought-after spots have opened up for my Deluxe Atlantic Puffins Workshops! These workshops, which are otherwise completely sold out, offer an unparalleled opportunity to photograph these incredible birds on Quebec's picturesque Lighthouse Island (Île aux Perroquets).

Imagine spending four days, from August 10 to 13, 2025, immersed in the stunning natural beauty of the island. This timing is absolutely perfect, as the puffin babies have grown and are demanding more and more food until they fledge, which means you'll have the absolute best chance to capture those iconic shots of puffins with their mouths full of fish!

While puffins are the stars, Île aux Perroquets is also home to a vibrant array of other seabirds. You'll also have the chance to photograph Razorbills, Black Guillemots, Common Murres, and various shorebirds, passerines and gulls. It's truly a bird photographer's paradise!

Don't miss out on this unexpected opportunity to join an exclusive group and create lasting memories and incredible photographs while staying in a renovated lighthouse and eating gourmet food!

CLICK HERE to learn more and sign up

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CLICK HERE to learn more and sign up 〰️

Razorbill in flight with Fish (Alca torda, Petit Pingouin, Alca común, RAZO) from my Deluxe Puffins Galore Lighthouse Island Workshop Adventure. Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha a1 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @1,200mm. ISO 2,500, f/8 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure. Full frame image.

Dorsal View of Razorbill in Flight with Fish

There are moments in nature that etch themselves into your memory. One such moment unfolded during my Deluxe Puffins Galore and so much more workshop last summer, with my small group of photographers perched on a beach at the base of the seabird nesting colony. The tide was changing, and with it came a spectacle of thousands of Razorbills and Atlantic Puffins circling as they returned from a successful fishing expedition; they created a dynamic scene against the backdrop of an incoming heavy fog. While presenting a photographic challenge, the fog added an element of magic to the encounter. Birds would materialize out of the mist with mouthfuls of fish, their dark silhouettes contrasting against the ethereal backdrop.

We were particularly captivated by the Razorbills with their beaks laden with fish. I captured this dorsal view as it banked in flight using my Sony 100-400mm zoom lens at 400mm and my Sony a1. The details recorded in its dark feathers are remarkable.

The scene on the beach was equally captivating. My fellow photographers, focused and determined, worked to capture the fleeting moments. The interplay of the fog, the waves crashing on the shore, and the cries of the seabirds created an atmosphere of awe-inspiring wilderness.

Razorbill in flight with Fish Close Encounter (Alca torda, Petit Pingouin, Alca común, RAZO) from my Deluxe Puffins Galore Lighthouse Island Workshop Adventure. Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha a1 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 G Master OSS Lens @400mm. ISO 800, f/5.6 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure. Full frame image.

“Witnessing puffins is a truly magical experience that stays with you forever. My time at your workshop on Île aux Perroquets was unforgettable! Nestled on a tiny island off the stunning, rugged coast of northeastern Canada, the entire experience felt like stepping into another world. The lighthouse keeper’s house—beautifully restored and full of character—was warm, inviting, and cozy, the perfect retreat after long days in the field. The food was simply incredible—each meal lovingly prepared by the kindest women, and honestly, some of the best I’ve had in years.

The puffin photography workshop itself was deeply immersive. Being completely unplugged from the rat race allowed me to slow down, reconnect with nature, and truly live in the moment. Each outing was filled with anticipation and awe. You were incredibly hands-on, always making sure we were in the right place at the right time to get the shot. I’ll never forget the thrill of hearing you shout “FISH! FISH! FISH!” as a puffin swooped in, beak brimming with its catch—it was pure, childlike joy every single time.

This wasn’t just a photography trip—it was a soulful adventure, one that left me inspired, grounded, and endlessly grateful. A trip of a lifetime that I will never forget.”

- Lisa-Ashley Smith | Wisconsin | USA

The Art of the Tight Composition: Capturing the Razorbill in Flight with fish

As nature photographers, we're always chasing that perfect shot. Sometimes, the most powerful images come from what we choose to leave out. Take this tightly composed image of a razorbill in flight. Notice how parts of the wings are intentionally cut off? This isn't an accidental clipping; it's a deliberate choice that amplifies the sense of motion and focuses the viewer's eye on the bird's powerful form and the fish it clutches.

Razorbills, those sleek, black and white seabirds, are truly remarkable creatures. Did you know they can dive up to 120 meters deep in search of food? Their streamlined bodies and powerful wings make them perfectly adapted to life both above and below the waves.

Capture Your Razorbill and Puffin Moments!

Are you ready to elevate your nature photography skills? Join my "Deluxe Puffins Galore and so much more" workshop! This immersive experience offers:

• Lighthouse Accommodations: Stay in unique and inspiring accommodations.

• Gourmet Food: Enjoy delicious meals that will fuel your photographic adventures.

• Puffin Proximity: We'll be only 200 meters (220 yards) from thriving puffin colonies, offering unparalleled photo opportunities.

You will master the art of birds in flight photography, composition, and exposure, as well as capture a stunning portfolio of images that tell a story. Don't miss this chance to photograph puffins and other seabirds in their natural habitat.

Razorbill in flight with Fish Close Encounter (Alca torda, Petit Pingouin, Alca común, RAZO) from my Deluxe Puffins Galore Lighthouse Island Workshop Adventure. Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha a1 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.

Razorbill flying with a fish in light fog

During my Deluxe Puffins Galore and so much more workshop, the air on the lighthouse Island in Quebec was electric as the light fog began to lift. Imagine a constant flurry of wings as countless Atlantic Puffins returned from their fishing expeditions, vibrant orange beaks crammed full of silvery treasures for their young. It was a spectacle that truly lived up to its "Galore" billing!

But amidst this charming chaos, another fascinating seabird diligently did its parental duties: the sleek and elegant Razorbills, clutching Capeline in their dark bills. Like Puffins, they are true masters of their marine environment; you can't help but admire their dual expertise. Those seemingly short wings, so efficient for powerful flight across the waves, transform into incredibly effective flippers underwater. They become agile pursuit predators, expertly chasing down fish, shrimp, and delectable morsels.

Like the puffins, the Razorbills often encounter obstacles on the final approach to their burrows. A sudden shift in the air current and the unexpected intrusion of another bird are enough to cause them to abort their carefully planned descent, circle again and make another determined attempt to enter their rocky crevice; this particular Razorbill made nine circuits before finally landing.

The light fog diffused the light to subdue the highlights in the background and reveal all of the details in the black feathers without harsh contrast; perfect conditions for photography!

Razorbill in flight with Fish in light fog (Alca torda, Petit Pingouin, Alca común, RAZO) from my Deluxe Puffins Galore Lighthouse Island Workshop Adventure. Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha a1 Mirrorless camera & Sony FE 600mm f/4 G Master OSS Lens with Sony FE 1.4X Teleconverter @840mm. ISO 2,500, f/6.3 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure. Full frame image.