In the realm of nature photography, capturing the perfect shot often demands patience, meticulous planning, and sometimes, a touch of serendipity. Sunil Gopalan, a computer engineer with a passion for bird photography, knows this well. His journey to photograph the elusive Atlantic puffin led him to a remote island off the coast of northern Scotland, where an unexpected encounter resulted in a stunning photograph.
Gopalan’s fascination with puffins began with encounters with two other species, the horned and tufted puffins, in Alaska. The Atlantic puffin, however, remained on his photographic wishlist. Determined to find a secluded location for his quest, Gopalan chose Fair Isle, a small island off Shetland, Scotland, known for its birds, knitwear, and historic shipwrecks. Accessible only by a four-hour ferry ride or a small twin-engine plane, Fair Isle promised the solitude he sought.
His journey took him from the Midwestern United States to Glasgow, then to Sumburgh, where a small aircraft carried him to his puffin haven. Although most of his time on the island enjoyed favorable weather, one rainy morning presented a unique opportunity. A rain-soaked puffin arrived, clutching a mouthful of tiny fish—a meal for its hungry chick.
Gopalan seized the moment, capturing a series of breathtaking images. His submission of the most captivating shot to the 2017 National Geographic Nature Photographer of the Year competition paid off, earning him recognition in the world of nature photography.
Atlantic puffins, often referred to as “sea parrots” due to their vibrant orange beaks during breeding season, spend most of their lives at sea. They return to land for the breeding season, where they form colonies on North Atlantic cliffs. Parents take turns feeding their chicks a diet of small fish, which they skillfully catch in their capacious beaks.
These agile birds navigate the water with webbed feet akin to rudders and can dive to depths of up to 200 feet. Their hunting prowess is remarkable, targeting small fish like herring and sand eels. Flying back to their nests at astonishing speeds, puffins can achieve 400 flaps per minute and reach speeds of up to 55 miles per hour.
For Sunil Gopalan, the challenge of photographing swift and agile birds like the Atlantic puffin is a driving force. His quest to capture various species from around the world fuels his frequent travels and inspires his contributions to Your Shot, National Geographic’s platform for photographers. Gopalan acknowledges National Geographic as the gold standard for nature enthusiasts and finds inspiration in interacting with fellow photographers on the platform.
As he continues to pursue his passion and push the boundaries of his craft, Sunil Gopalan exemplifies the spirit of exploration and the quest for the perfect shot that defines the world of nature photography.
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