It is interesting to note that the black and white coloring of puffins and razorbills acts as a form of camouflage called "countershading." It is found in many open ocean animals. From the air, the black top of the bird blends in with the water's surface, disguising it from aerial predators. Similarly, their white bellies blend in with reflective surface and sunshine if viewed from underneath, for protection from sea predators like sharks. Though they have a similar appearance, puffins and razorbills are not related to penguins. They don't even coexist in the same hemisphere.

This black & white countershading can also be a challenge for proper exposures when you photograph. It is best to pick a cloudy day where the light is fairly even to insure you get details in both the black and the white areas of the bird. We were lucky to have the light and mood created by the fog.

A sure fire method is to have your camera on manual, spot meter off the breast, open up 1.7 stops, and bracket around that. Huge lenses aren't needed, generally you can get full head shots with a lens around 400 mm or less. Tripods are impossible if you have a lot of people in your blind with you. With only 2 people, then it is ok, though still difficult to switch from opening to opening.

Time in the blind was very limited on this particular day, and even on the following trip...approximately 45 minutes each. The experience of being in the middle of this seabird colony was unforgettable. Viewing wildlife, particularly these adorable birds, at such intimate distances was extremely rewarding.