What if the Oscars expanded to birdwatching? Surely, Hai Au Co will gracefully receive the award “Best Leading Bird in Photography Event”. Capturing the majestic beauty of this elusive animal was the mission of National Geographic photojournalist and computer technician, Sunil Gopalan. This seasoned photographer, who captured the astonishing presence of Horned and Crested Seagulls in Alaska, found himself in a strange pursuit: the Ancient Seagulls of the Great Sea. Western Ocean.
This particular species is not only rare, it is truly a legend, flying across the Atlantic Ocean. However, as Gopalan has identified, it is best photographed in the midst of its natural habitat – a landfill untouched by human activity. His quest brought him to the desolate beauty of Fair Isle, nestled in the Shetland Islands in the north of Scotland. Imagine: a lone, poised figure on a remote island, his watchful gaze fixed on the horizon, camera raised and ready to take a picture of the elusive Ancient Seagull . . Sounds like an Indiana Jones adventure with a bit of bird watching, doesn’t it?
On a drizzly day, when the sky took on a melancholy gray and the winds hummed chilling tunes, Gopalan’s patience bore fruit. Just as he was preparing breakfast, an ancient seagull appeared, proudly hugging a fishy feast for his young. Imagine – breakfast provided by nature itself!
Capturing this moment, Gopalan s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁fully captured a series of stunning portraits. The bird, caught mid-flight, appears to be soaring out of the picture, its beak filled with rewards for its young. These images encapsulate the pristine beauty of birds’ survival and nurturing nature, a testament to the unspoiled wonder of nature.
It’s hardly surprising, then, that Gopalan’s photographs helped them run for the National Geographic’s 2017 Nature Photo Awards. An unexpected breakfast turns into a compliment – nice morning, don’t you agree?
Catching these swift birds is not for the faint of heart. Their agility and the harsh environment they call home pose challenges that only truly dedicated people, like Gopalan, can tackle. But oh, the reward! When the shutter clicks at the perfect moment, it freezes a breathtaking image.
So what awaits our intrepid photojournalist now? With the ancient Albatross proudly ticking his list, will a new winged muse get his attention? Will he continue to take us on visual adventures through the avian world? One thing is for sure, the passion for encapsulating the wild, unspoiled beauty of birds shows no sign of waning. So brace yourself, bird watchers and nature lovers, our next bird adventure is coming. Will you join us?
