The Deluxe Puffins Galore workshop truly lives up to its name, offering incredible opportunities to photograph the charismatic clowns of the sea that everyone adores; I dare say the best in the world. But amidst the flurry of orange feet and comical dives, another seabird nests among the rocks: the elegant Black Guillemot.
While the puffins understandably command attention with their vibrant plumage and playful antics, the Black Guillemot offers a different kind of beauty – a sleek, understated sophistication. In their breeding plumage, they are a striking study in contrasts: velvety black feathers offset by brilliant white wing patches and startlingly red-orange legs and feet.
One stormy afternoon, the Black Guillemots came into their own as the tide receded, revealing swathes of glistening seaweed draped over the flat rocks. The overcast sky diffused the light beautifully, creating a soft, even illumination that brought out the subtle textures in their feathers and the rich hues of their legs.
It was a lesson in patience and observation. While the puffins often provided instant action, photographing the Black Guillemots required a more contemplative approach. It was about waiting for the right moment, the perfect pose, the subtle shift in light that would reveal their quiet beauty. As we lay there in the seaweed, more Black Guillemots flew in, and as time passed, they ignored us and kept getting closer.
The experience underscored the richness of the seabird ecosystem. The Deluxe Puffins Galore workshop wasn't just about one star species; it is a deep dive into the interconnected lives of numerous fascinating birds. The Black Guillemots, with their understated elegance and captivating presence, were a powerful reminder of the diverse wonders that coastal habitats hold. They proved that the most rewarding photographic moments sometimes come when you slow down, lie low, and appreciate the subtle beauty surrounding you. And yes, even a bit of seaweed-induced dampness is a small price for such an intimate encounter with these magnificent birds.
Black Guillemot Displaying (Cepphus grylle, Guillemot à miroir, Arao aliblanco, BLGU) from my DELUXE ATLANTIC PUFFIN TOUR (and so much more) Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Sony Alpha a1 Mirrorless, Sony 600mm f/4 GM OSS Lens, Sony FE 2X Teleconverter @ 1,200mm. f/8 ISO 6,400 @ 1/5,000s. Full Frame image.
