These Razorbills Look Mean

[Dick Glover]

June 19, 2010, Machais Seal Island, 10:00am, bright sun. Another one of those special experiences to visit this island. Only there 90 minutes due to tides, but that was a treat. Most of the time the Puffins, Razorbills and Murres seemed to get along well, but occasionally it got a little testy.
Canon 7D, 28-300mm @ 300mm, ISO 400, 1/2500, f/6.3

[Sid Garige]

Very nice timing. Looks like razorbill is just about launch an attack on the puffin. exposure and details look good too.

[Arthur Morris]

You did very well in brutal lighting conditions. I love the blue BKGR. I wish only that the razorbill had been farther from you; that would have yielded a better head angle as he looked at the puffin. Who did you go with?

[Dick Glover]

Hi Artie,

We took the Norton of Jonesport boat from Jonesport, Maine. At the time, we did not know any other tour that would land you on the island, but by coincidence, we stayed 3 days on Grand Manan Island, NS a month later where another company takes a boat to Machais Seal Island almost every day, weather permitting. I have been told there is only one other company, or guide, with a license to land on the island, but I don't know who it is. I am sure the tightly controlled access is a good thing, but it sure is a marked contrast to Bonaventure where dozens of people arrive every hour to stand next to the Gannets who seem totally oblivious to the spectators.

Dick

[Arthur Morris]

Thanks for the updated info Dick. I can, however, assure you that the colony is over-protected...The researchers pretty much want to have the place for themselves. Had Barna Norton been alive you would have learned that there are issues dealing even with which country even owns the island....

[Bob Malbon]

Art, I can assure you that if the USA were back in charge no one would be allowed on the island. Bob

[Arthur Morris]

Maybe yes, maybe no. On what do you base your opinion?

[Art Kornienko]

I like the colour of bg too Sid, looks like a great action shot, interesting lens you were using, don't see this lens used a lot. Was there anything cloned out of the shot?

[Dick Glover]

One very blurred bird in the background was removed. It is hard to take a picture on this island without other birds, often dozens, included.

[Kiran Poonacha]

This made me smile.. loved the moment captured.. looks like a frame from the cartoons..