Common Murre in flight with fish

A Common Murre brings fish back to its baby. Photographed during my recent Deluxe Atlantic Puffins and so much more workshops in Quebec. While there was an abundance of Puffins bringing fish back to their nests, the Murres were in short supply this year; perhaps the result of the avian flu, as some have speculated, or maybe they were displaced by the larger and now more abundant than ever Razorbills?

Common Murre with baby food

I photographed this Common Murre (bringing fish home to feed its baby) against the out-of-focus cliffs of Bonaventure Island hand-held from a Zodiac Hurricane during my GANNETS GALORE WORKSHOP last June. I love my time on the daily Zodiac excursion photographing the other species that call Bonaventure Island home. The open boat trips are weather permitting, and there is some rain in our forecast, but my fingers are crossed that the current sunshine manifests and we start big on the Zodiac tomorrow morning.

The Murres of Bonaventure Island

Here are a few Common Murre images from my recently concluded Gannets Galore Workshop on Bonaventure Island. The daily Zodiac boat rides(weather permitting) around the cliffs full of seabirds in the early mornings are a highlight of the trip for me. The Sony Alpha 1 paired with the Sony 200-600 proved to be an absolutely perfect combination for the close and fast-moving seabirds like these Common Murres. All of these images were made within a few minutes of each other on the second morning of the first workshop on June 7.

Common Murre in Flight Dorsal View (Uria aalge, Guillemot Marmette, COMU) from my Gannets Galore Workshop on Bonaventure Island, Quebec ©2022 Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Sony 200-600mm @600mm ISO 6,400, f/6.3 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure. Full frame image.

Common Murre in Flight Ventral View (Uria aalge, Guillemot Marmette, COMU) from my Gannets Galore Workshop on Bonaventure Island, Quebec ©2022 Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Sony 200-600mm @600mm ISO 5,000, f/6.3 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure. Full frame image.

The Common Murre is found in the seas of the Northern Hemisphere, but unlike the Thick-billed Murre, it prefers ice-free waters. On some islands in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, it nests in dense colonies on narrow cliff ledges, in semi-enclosed rock cavities and in deep fissures, occasionally sharing its quarters with the Razorbill. The Common Murre can fly up to 200 kilometres from the nest to find food for their chicks, and, like the Northern Gannet, they can dive as deep as 100 meters, and depths of 180meters have been recorded. Courtship displays include bowing, billing and preening. The male points its head vertically and makes croaking and growling noises to attract a female. The eggs vary in colour and pattern to help the parents recognize them, each egg is unique. They make no nest and their single egg is incubated on bare rock. The average fledging age is about 21 days, during which the male and female feed the chick with Capelin and sand lance, carrying them one at a time. Both male and female Common Murres moult after breeding and become flightless for 1-2 months. After the breeding season, the Gulf populations move toward the Atlantic and winter off the coasts of Newfoundland. In southern populations, they occasionally return to the nest site throughout the winter. Northern populations spend the winter farther from their colonies. A group of murres are collectively known as a "bazaar" and a "fragrance" of murres (and you should get a whiff of the fragrance under the colony on Bonaventure Island).

In Québec, the Common Murre breeds only in the Gulf of St Lawrence. It is especially abundant on Bonaventure Island, with over 27 000 pairs, and on the Sainte-Marie Islands, where nearly 20 000 pairs nest alongside several other alcid species, including Razorbills and Atlantic Puffins. The Common Murre populations in the Gulf have recovered a great deal during the 70s and 80s but currently, the numbers on the Lower North Shore are still distinctly smaller than those reported by 19th-century naturalists. According to their accounts, an estimated 350 000 pairs of Common Murres bred there at the turn of the century, whereas today there are a mere 20 000. Poaching and human disturbance are the main causes of this decline.

Common Murre(Bridled) in Flight (Uria aalge, Guillemot Marmette - from bridée, COMU) from my Gannets Galore Workshop on Bonaventure Island, Quebec ©2022 Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Sony 200-600mm @600mm ISO 6,400, f/6.3 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure. Full frame image.

The Common Murre (Bridled) is a race or sub-species of the Common Murre, which is seen in North America. Although the Common Murre is seen in the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans, this race is only seen in the Atlantic waters. It can be easily recognized by its bold white facial markings. It also has different coloured eggs than the Common Murre. Both races live among each other.

TOP TEN REASONS TO JOIN ME ON BONAVENTURE ISLAND:

I received this in an email from Stan Buman from Carroll, IA way back in 2009:

I joined Chris for the 2009 Gannets Galore Workshop. It was a great learning experience and a wonderful three days. Here are the top ten reasons why I would recommend attending a workshop with Chris.

1. Chris knows the workshop locations and subjects. He has been to the Northern Gannet colony over 375 times, giving him intimate knowledge of the island and bird behavior. All professional wildlife photographers will tell you that knowledge of the subject is crucial for obtaining quality images.

2. With this knowledge, he works hard to put you in the right place by constantly monitoring weather conditions (such as wind direction) and bird activity.

3. Chris is respectful of, and well respected by, the Park Service employees. He treats them well and they treat him well.

4. The Gannets Galore Workshop is more than just photographing on the island. Photography from the Zodiac boat adds a whole new dimension to the diversity of images and bird species.

5. While birds are his primary focus, he is willing to photograph other subjects; Gray Seals come to mind.

6. He is a good birder. It isn’t just all about Gannets.

7. Being a top-notch photographer, Chris knows what it takes to get great images. He is willing to share his knowledge with his participants.

8. I am a better bird photographer because of Chris. Leading by example, he challenged me to work harder on my skills and work outside my comfort zone.

9. For those of you who live to eat, Chris will make sure you are well fed (quality and quantity). I eat to live but think I gained weight on this trip.

10. His ability to speak French comes in handy for us ignorant Americans who never learned to speak anything but English.

Common Murre FROZEN

Common Murre FROZEN (Uria aalge, guillemot marmette, COMU) From a Zodiac Hurricane 733 during my Gannets Galore Workshop on Bonaventure Island at Parc National de l'île Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds. Sony Alpha a9 Mirrorless Camera & Sony FE100-400 F4.5-5.6 G Master OSS with 1.4X Tele-extender @ 560mm. Full frame image. ISO 6400, f/8 @ 1/5,000s Manual exposure mode.

Common Murre Kudos & Gear for Sale

Common Murre or Common Guillemot Vertical (Uria aalge, guillemot marmette, COMU) Parc national de l'Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé (Bonaventure Island and Percé Rock National Park) Bonaventure Island, Quebec. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS-1D MKIV, 800mm F5.6 L IS. ISO 800, 1/1,600s f/5.6 Manual. Hand held from Zodiac Hurricane 733. Full Frame. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.

TESTIMONIAL

"In September 2011, I attended Christopher Dodds’ “Gannets Galore” workshop in Perce, Quebec, Canada. I have attended many wildlife photo workshops over the years and this workshop was a 10+ without a doubt. The trip was exactly as he described on his web site; no overpromising and under delivering.

Chris provided access to a colony of 63,000 nesting pairs of Northern Gannets (and at least as many non-breeding birds) and his relationships with the local park staff allowed us to get to locations in the park that were closed to the public.  Throughout the trip he was cheerful, very well organized and took care of all  those details (and this was a complicated location) that can ruin an experience..  I was able to concentrate on what I came to do…..photography.  

As a professional photographer I know my field, but it is a major bonus to find someone who can provide instruction to me.  My flight shots improved dramatically!  Chris has an uncanny understanding of composition and light and presented me with many opportunities to test my skills.  He understands creativity in photography as well as being a technical master. This trip was perfect for a beginner or a professional and he gives as much instruction and guidance as you need without arrogance, attitude or making you feel too shy to ask.  I would encourage any photographer, no matter what level,  to sign up for Chris' workshops."

- Terry Turrentine San Francisco | CA | USA www.terryturrentine.com

Equipment for sale

I have a Canon 1.4X II & Canon 2X II Extender for sale. Both items are in excellent working codition, but have slight signs of wear as expected when used professionally. Both have brand new caps (front & back) and are available to the first person who agrees to send US$250.00 or CAD$250.00 each via PayPal (Post Office shipping to Canada or USA and PayPal fees included). Visa, MasterCard or check are fine if I know you. Contact me chris@chrisdoddsphoto.com

I have a friend who is selling the following mint gear (email me chris@chrisdoddsphoto.com for details):

Canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS L USM Version I - US$1,150.00

Canon 100-400 f/4-5.6 IS L - US$1,300.00

Canon 600mm f/4 IS L USM (includes LensCoat Cover, Really Right Stuff replacement foot and case.) - US$8,000.00

Includes PayPal fees and shipping.

A few of my favorite things from 2010

Common Murre or Common Guillemot Flying (Uria aalge, guillemot marmette, COMU) Parc national de l'Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé (Bonaventure Island and Percé Rock National Park) Bonaventure Island, Quebec. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS-1D MKIV, 800mm F5.6 L IS. ISO 800, 1/2500s F5.6 Manual. Hand held from Zodiac Hurricane 733. Full Frame. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.

My Favorite Image

Alright, I couldn't choose just one favourite, so you get two for one. The Common Murre image above was captured during my June Gannets Galore Bird Photography Workshop / Safari and the Atlantic Puffin portrait below was from my July Puffins Galore Bird Photography Workshop / Safari.

Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica, Macareux moine, ATPU) Vertical Portrait île aux Perroquets, Réserve de parc national du Canada de l'Archipel-de-Mingan, Quebec, Canada. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DMKIV, 500mm F4 L IS with 2X Teleconverter II, Canon 25mm Extension Tube, Tripod & Wimberley Head II. 580EXII Flash manual mode. Think-Tank Photo Hydrophobia 300-600. ISO 800, F16 @1/60s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.

Your Favorite image

Coastal Brown Bear and Gray Wolf Unlikely FISHIN' BUDDIES (Ursus arctos or Grizzly Bear and Canis lupus) Hallo Bay, Katmai National Park, AK. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS 1DMKIV, 500mm F4 L IS, 2X II Tele-converter, Tripod & Wimberley Head II. ISO 800, F8 @1/125s Manual mode. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.

You couldn't choose just one favourite, so you also get two for one as well. The Coastal Brown Bear and Gray Wolf image above was captured during my July Coastal Brown Bears Galore Photography Workshop / Safari and the Herring Gull image below was from my June Gannets Galore Bird Photography Workshop / Safari. I based these coices on the number of views, comments, likes, etc. from Facebook or on-line forums where they were posted.

American Herring Gull Emerging with fish (Larus smithsonianus, Goeland argente, HERG) Parc national de l'Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé, Bonaventure Island, Quebec. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds  All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS-1D MKIV, 800mm F5.6 L IS. ISO 400, 1/2000s F5.6 Manual. 580EXII Flash manual full power . Tripod & Wimberley Head II. Full Frame. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.

My favorite New Camera Bag

Think-Tank Photo Shape Shifter Camera Backpack. I took this photo with my Canon S-95 with built-in flash and natural light.

It's the one eternal quest for any photographer; finding the perfect camera bag. I have a serious problem; I'm a closet camera bag junkie. I have a room full of camera bags and never quite found the ultimate "urban" camera bag for this nature photographer when I'm not out in the field with my 500 or 800mm lens. I'm talking about those times that I want to grab a bag and have it fit what I need while out on a walk in Old Montreal, visiting family, or just out for a drive for landscapes. I've been meaning to write a serious review of the new Shape Shifter by Think-Tank Photo since I received my review copy a few weeks ago. Suffice it to say that this truly is the ultimate urban camera bag. Built to the usual quality standards that the folks at Think-Tank Photo are known for, the Shape Shifter is a camera backpack like no other. There are five neoprene pouches fixed to the inside back panel capable of holding my Canon EOS 1Ds Mark III, Canon EOS 1D Mark IV, 70-200 F2.8 IS II, 16-35 F2.8 II, 24-70 F2.8. The inside of the front cover can also hold a couple of speed-lights and various light modifiers. There are tons of pockets and a top-load sleeve that can accommodate up to a 17" laptop computer. The beauty of the bag is it's ability to compress to a much lower profile when you decide to venture out with only a couple of items in it. Purchase the Shape Shifter from Think-Tank Photo HERE and receive a free camera bag or accessory while engouraging this site.

My Favorite Conversation

It was a blast visiting with Scott and he is a gifted interviewer with quite a personality. We discussed my recent discovery of Nik Software and how I am introducing it into my post capture work-flow. There's a few good tips and a description of my Gannets Galore photo tour / workshop / safari. Be sure to grab a cup of coffee and give it a listen to hear some stories, tips and techniques. Thank you Scott.

LISTEN TO A LIVE STREAM NOW or DOWNLOAD IN iTunes

My Favorite New Software

 

I can't talk about my radio interview with Scott Sheppard without mentioning my favorite new software suite and Nik Software. Of the suite, Viveza 2.0 stands out as an absolute favorite for it's ease of use and compatibility. This choice isn't only about the software, it's about the company. Nik Software has changed the way the product supports the user; they offer free daily webinars to help you learn to use their products. How many times have you installed a new piece of software, only to discover that you were on your own to learn how to use it? Now all you have to do is tune into a webinar and watch how it's done; and it's FREE! Certainly worth checking-out at NiK Software (Use the coupon code "cdodds" to save 15% at the Nik store).

My Favorite new Point & Shoot Camera with Accessories

Canon PowerShot S-95 with Richard Franiec’s  S-95 Grip and Lensmate S95 Quick-Change Adapter Kit 37mm

My Favorite New Lens

Without a doubt, the Canon 800mm F5.6 IS has to be my favourite new work lens, but my Lensbaby Composer with their 0.42X Super Wide Angle conversion lens, Macro Lens Kit, and 0.6X Wide Angle & 1.6X Telephoto accessory kit has to be my favourite new fun lens. Watch for a full review soon.

My Favorite New Book

The Sibley Guide to Trees is a refreshing new field guide to the trees of North American Trees written and illustrated by David Allen Sibley. I had given-up hope of finding a well illustrated field guide to the trees of North America, so I was thrilled when I accidentally stumbled upon this gem of a book.

My Favorite New Gadget

That's an easy one; The Cotton Carrier has got to be it! READ MY REVIEW HERE.

Canadian Nature Photographer Christopher Dodds(that's me - smile) stylin' with a  a Cotton Carrier over his Canada Goose Parka. Image copyright and courtesy Julie Morrison - thanks, Julie.

Bonaventure Island Trip Report: Common Murre or Common Guillemot (Uria aalge, guillemot marmette, COMU)

Common Murre or Common Guillemot Flying (Uria aalge, guillemot marmette, COMU) Parc national de l'Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé (Bonaventure Island and Percé Rock National Park) Bonaventure Island, Quebec. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds www.chrisdoddsphoto.com All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS-1D MKIV, 800mm F5.6 L IS. ISO 800, 1/2500s F5.6 Manual. Hand held from Zodiac Hurricane 733. Full Frame. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.

Common Murre or Common Guillemot Banking (Uria aalge, guillemot marmette, COMU) Parc national de l'Île-Bonaventure-et-du-Rocher-Percé (Bonaventure Island and Percé Rock National Park) Bonaventure Island, Quebec. Image Copyright ©Christopher Dodds All Rights Reserved. Canon EOS-1D MKIV, 800mm F5.6 L IS. ISO 800, 1/2500s F5.6 Manual. Hand held from Zodiac Hurricane 733. Full Frame. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE A PRINT or LICENSE IMAGE FOR PUBLICATION.

Bonaventure Island Gannets Galore Nature Photography Photo Safari Workshop

One of the highlights of the Gannets Galore Photo Safari is the daily (weather permitting) Zodiac trips to, and around, Bonaventure Island. This year, we had two back-to-back perfect mornings with mirror-like water and virtually no swell; a perfect recipe for photography from a Zodiac Hurricane 733. There were many Common Murres, Razorbills, Black Guillemots, Black-legged Kittiwakes, and even some Puffins floating on the water around the Zodiac, but the crown jewels for the nature photographers on board are always the birds in flight shots of these birds that fly at 80km per hour. I was just thrilled to have a CPS Loaner Canon Mark IV and 800mm F5.6 IS L on loan from Canon Canada for the workshops; most everyone, who wanted, got to try this impressive bird photography rig. I must confess to have fallen in love with the lens after creating these razor sharp images on the second morning of the first (of three) workshops.

If you find yourself trying to photograph seabirds from near their cliff-edge nesting sites, it's best to skip the outbound birds and focus on the inbound birds; Razorbills, Murres, etc., typically nest under other species like Northern Gannets on the cliff face and are typically covered in bird poop when leaving the nest - inbound birds are just back from fishing, so they are all nice and clean. Try to lock onto them before they slow to land  on the water or bank for best results.

More Kudos

I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for an amazing trip. I especially enjoyed shooting from the zodiac for all kinds of great shots. You lead an outstanding tour, and I would certainly consider future trips with you. I can tell that you could be of great help as I finish off my wish list of species for the new waterbirds book, as you know many of the key spots for specific species and behavior. I also have a lot to learn about the digital process, and you are gifted in this area. Many thanks my friend!

-Middleton Evans | Baltimore | MD