Today, bowhead whales still transit the fringes of Arctic waters. Polar bears hunt blubbery ringed seals from rafts of ice. And ivory gulls ride gale force winds, plucking juvenile polar cod from the roiling sea. But for how much longer? Despite more than a century of scientific observation, the Central Arctic Ocean remains one of […]
Tag: Black Guillemot
Scotland #3 – Seabird Extravaganza
Back home in Norwich already, but I have some more Scottish tales to tell. On July 31st we went out to sea with my mate Phil from Shetland Seabird Tours. We left Lerwick harbour and headed towards Noss NNR. Phil boat is great – small enough to get close to water level, but sits very […]
Iceland: Volcanoes, glaciers, hot springs and seabirds
Close to the Arctic Circle, the mid-Atlantic ridge emerges from the ocean depths onto land, creating a country full of geological wonder and amazing wildlife. If you want adventure combined with beautiful scenery and 24-hour daylight, Iceland should be your destination this summer! Iceland is revered by marine biologists around the world for its biodiversity, […]
Urgent action needed to protect seabirds, say RSPB Scotland
Scotland’s seabird populations are in need of “urgent action” to halt significant, long-term declines, according to a report. A study from RSPB Scotland proposes creating seven sites to be designated as Special Protection Areas (SPA) to protect key feeding areas. It claims that the Scottish government is in danger of breaking conservation legislation if no […]
Why Are Birds of the Arctic in Decline?
With some species of Arctic birds experiencing steep drops in population and their prey also undergoing marked shifts, scientists are working to understand what role climate change is playing in these unfolding ecological transformations. On Coats Island, in northern Hudson Bay, thick-billed murres — members of the auk family — have been under assault on […]
Sea-Kayaking with Wildlife around the Fastnet Rock
Conditions were ideal for sea-kayaking and wildlife photography on the west coast of Ireland early this morning – flat sea, not a breath of wind and sun burning off the early morning mist. Departing at 06:00 am from Schull Harbour in West Cork, Joff, Hugh and Nick kayaked 7 miles to the Fastnet Rock. Following […]
Top 12 Encounters of 2012
With 2012 nearly over I can say very loudly I CANT WAIT for it to end. This year has certainly had its highs but those of course come with the Lows. Plenty of food for thought and life lessons learned from the lows and onwards and (hopefully) upwards into the future. So first the Lows… […]