Crested Auklets of Saint Paul Island: Citrus-Scented Seabirds in the Bering Sea

One of my favourite seabirds always reminds me of Christmas morning. Crested Auklets—charismatic, comical little birds with wild head feathers—have a unique trait: they produce a citrus-scented oil from a gland near their shoulders. The smell is surprisingly reminiscent of tangerines, which instantly takes me back to the scent of the fruit tucked into my Christmas stocking every year when I was a child.

I created this image with the trusty Sony a1 mirrorless camera and the versatile, portable Sony 200-600mm zoom lens as I sat atop a windswept cliff on Saint Paul Island, one of the remote Pribilof Islands in the Bering Sea, situated between Russia and Alaska. The day was blustery and overcast—standard weather for that far-flung corner of the world (and yes, that’s part of its charm).

Despite the grey skies, the Crested Auklets put on an incredible aerial show. With ease and joy, they rode the strong currents sweeping up from the sea, appearing to hang effortlessly in the wind. There was a sense of playfulness in their flight—as if they were simply enjoying the ride.

Crested Auklet in flight FLYBY (Aethia cristatella, stariques cristatelles, Mérgulo empenachado, CRAU) from my Saint Paul Island, AK workshop in the middle of the Bering Sea in Alaska. ©Christopher Dodds Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless camera & Sony 200-600mm Lens (@600mm) ISO 5,000, f/6.3 @ 1/5,000s. Full Frame image. Manual Exposure mode. Join me for my Saint Paul Island, AK workshop next July to learn more CLICK HERE.

Deluxe Puffins Galore: A Photography Workshop on L' île aux Perroquets

Imagine a place where the only sounds at first and last light are the gentle lapping of waves and the calls of seabirds. A place where the sky explodes in a brilliant pink as the sun dips below the horizon, painting a breathtaking backdrop for nature's most charming spectacle: puffins returning to their nests with fish for their young.

This magic awaits you at our Deluxe Puffins Galore workshop on the Lighthouse Island called L'île aux perroquets. You'll have the unparalleled opportunity to photograph these charming seabirds in their element, often only a short distance away. No need to worry about heights – our prime photography locations are easily accessible and not at the top of cliffs.

Picture yourself, camera in hand, immortalizing these captivating creatures as they land with their precious cargo, the picturesque lighthouse standing sentinel in the background. Create a stunning portfolio of seabird images, including Puffins, Razorbills, Guillemots and more.

Join us for an unforgettable experience where nature's beauty unfolds before your lens. Gourmet food and comfortable lighthouse accommodations are just a short, scenic 200-meter (220-yard) stroll away. Don't just dream about this – live it! Book your spot today and let the puffins and Lighthouse Island magic capture your heart and your camera.

CLICK HERE Learn more and sign up CLICK HERE

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CLICK HERE Learn more and sign up CLICK HERE |

Atlantic Puffin in flight with fish at sunset (Fratercula arctica, Macareux moine, Frailecillo atlántico, ATPU) from my Deluxe Puffins Galore Lighthouse Island Workshop Adventure. Mingan Archipelago National Park Reserve, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha 1 Mirrorless camera & Sony 200-600mm Lens (@406mm) ISO 5,000, f/6.3 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure. Full frame image.

“My friends and I are nearly full-time workshop participants. We love being guided around the world, photographing wildlife with experts and other like-minded people. Finding and travelling with Chris Dodds, however, was a special gift. He TRULY knows the areas in which his workshops are held. He knows the people, the wildlife, and their behaviour. And, of course, he knows photography and how to teach. Now when I’m shooting, I’m channelling Chris and what he’s taught me.”

- Linda Scher - Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA (Winter Snowy Owls 2023, Songbirds of Pelee 2023 & Deluxe Atlantic Puffins 2023)

Atlantic Puffin in flight with fish (Capelin) dorsal view

Everyone who joined my five sold-out Deluxe Puffins Galore Lighthouse Island Workshop Adventures had some pretty epic opportunities with the Puffins bringing fish back to their babies. Upon reflection, there seemed to be more Puffins and more of them had fish. A sign that the colony is doing well despite many other seabird colonies being ravaged by the Avian flu.

Next year’s trips are starting to fill already, so don’t wait until it is too late to join the Puffin fun.

Sony Alpha A1 in the house

I’ve been out & about testing the brand new and industry leading action camera, the Sony Alpha A1. Stay tuned here (www.NaturePhotographyBlog.com) for my review early next week.