About the Image(s)

Location: Seal Machias Island, 10 miles off the coast of Maine
Subject: Razorbills (Alca torda) aka Lesser Auk / Razor-billed Auk Family: Alcidae
Date: June 2022
Photographer: Grace Dunklee Cohen
Gear: Canon 60D, EF 70-200 f / 2.8
Settings: 1/1250 - f / 5, ISO 320, 200mm, handheld

This tiny island 10 miles off the coast of Maine is a critically important, protected breeding spot for many seabird species, and a major study site for both Canadian and US bird researchers. In early June when I was there, it was the height of the breeding season. The island was almost
unbearably loud with a multitude of species trying to out-call their rivals.

Shooting from a blind, I captured this quartet of Razorbills chattering away. The fog had lifted but still cast an odd brightness that made for difficult editing to make the of these birds which were intensely black and very bright white. I did a slight lift of highlights and contrast on the leader to make his eye stand out.

I especially like this image as it showcases these adults at several different angles.

LRC EDITS include:
- Cropping
- Light adjustments
- Spot edit of eye on primary bird
- More blur of background
- Spot sharpening