On the first morning of my Gannets Galore Workshop last June, we set out on the glass-smooth waters of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the pre-dawn light brightening on the eastern horizon. We were on our way to the legendary bird-filled cliffs of Bonaventure Island, a true marvel of nature and a cacophony of life.
As we approached, a rising crescendo of bird calls and the beating of thousands of wings got louder and louder. Bonaventure Island is home to hundreds of thousands of birds during nesting season.
Our cameras soon found a Common Murre in its striking bridled form among the swirling masses of Northern Gannets, Black-legged Kittiwakes, Razorbills, Black Guillemots, Gulls, and Harlequins. This distinctive white ring around its eye and a line trailing backward is a genetic variation, making it a particularly sought-after sighting for bird photographers.
We carefully maneuvered our Zodiac to ensure the perfect light angle. Every detail mattered, not just for the murre but for the backdrop. We paid close attention to where the sun hit the cliffs, ensuring no stray highlight from bird droppings would mar the pristine scene. It's a small detail that can make or break an image.
Did you know? The bridled form of the Common Murre is more prevalent in the northern parts of its range, with some populations having a higher percentage of bridled individuals compared to others. The exact reason for this geographical distribution of the genetic trait is still a subject of scientific study!
