PETRELS, STORM-PETRELS, PRIONS and SHEARWATERS

This group contains some of the most exciting and beautiful seabirds on the planet, unfortunately they are often highly pelagic and nocturnal at their breeding colonies. The Pterodromae, in particular, are the most accomplished fliers, and the sight of one (or more) arcing over a stormy ocean is well worth the discomforts involved. Some don't follow, or even approach ships, so photography, or even observing them, is often challenging, but I'm quite pleased with some of the results. Others, including a few Pterodromae, will actively seek out boats and are attracted to chum, and with modern cameras superb results are possible. Unfortunately many of my shots were taken long ago, some on slide film, hopefully they're not too outdated. At least one was a different species when I took it, taxonomy of these groups is contentious and frequently changing, due mainly to the difficulties of studying pelagic birds. I tend to refer to the IOU and Peter Harrison, but other treatments are available.
Latest update, July 2023.