We are on a pelagic trip, this is a seabird watching tour. This time a stretch of water off-shore the west coast of Ireland with Blacksod Sea Safari is approached. On the trip to the Atlantic we pass the island of Inishkea. Eventually we are surrounded by the vastness of the Atlantic Ocean. The sun is already high in the sky, a steel-blue sky with practically no clouds. The boat rocks on the choppy waves in a moderate wind. It should be a perfect day to see some of the ocean’s most fascinating and difficult to observe creatures: seabirds.
But how to distinguish them fast enough? The seabirds to be expected spend most of their lives at sea. They are known for their mastery of dynamic soaring and flight efficiency. But how do different species of shearwaters—such as the Manx Shearwater (Puffinus puffinus), the Great Shearwater (Ardenna gravis), and the Sooty Shearwater (Ardenna grisea) and Cory’s Shearwater (Calonectris borealis) —compare in their flight dynamics? A closer look reveals subtle, yet significant, differences.
Shearwaters are remarkable for their use of dynamic soaring, a technique that allows them to harness wind gradients above the ocean. In particular, the Manx Shearwater, a smaller species, exhibits a highly efficient flight pattern characterized by fast, agile maneuvers. Its short wings, relative to body size, give it a rapid wingbeat, enabling it to quickly change direction and take advantage of wind shifts. This makes it well-suited for navigating the often erratic winds of waters closer to the coastal areas.
The larger Great Shearwater, in contrast, relies on long-distance efficiency. With its broader wings and slower wingbeats, this species is built for sustained, energy-efficient gliding. Its longer wings allow it to cover vast distances with minimal effort, making it ideal for transatlantic migrations. The extended wingspan reduces drag and enhances lift, allowing for long, uninterrupted flights, particularly when winds are steady.
The Sooty Shearwater falls somewhere between the two in terms of wing morphology and flight behavior. While it shares the long-winged design of the Great Shearwater, it tends to fly lower to the surface, where it can exploit smaller wind gradients. This allows for a balance between agile, close-to-the-water maneuvers and long-distance gliding, a perfect adaptation for both coastal foraging and open ocean crossings. Consequently, this Shearwater appeared often in a shorter distance to the sea in comparison e.g. the Great Shearwater.
Cory’s Shearwater, a different genus, is a large shearwater with pale upperparts and heavy, yellowish bill and a remarably large grey head. The grey neck forms a diagnostic, contrasting line from wing base to base of bill. The underside of wings is white, framed by black flight feathers. The flight action is calm and distinct. Long glides alternates with 3-4 slow wingbeats. Wingtips always bent downwards, and wings slightly angled back. The Cory’s Shearwater often soars.
These distinctions in flight dynamics are crucial for understanding how each species has evolved to thrive in the northern Atlantic’s diverse and challenging environment.
If you really want to get close to seabirds, the pelagic species – whether to enjoy the incomparable feeling of immediate connection at eye level or to take close-up photos of these elegant flyers – you have to rent a boat. A trip should last at least 3 hours. It still costs almost € 400 – 500.
In order to meet the growing demand for top images of the rarer species of Palaearctic Bird-lens.com has specifically made trips to remote places. Additionally every chance is used, if a rare bird is around the homeground. This to do everything to ensure excellent photos of the Birds of the Western Palearctic. The yield of pictures also of rare Western Palaearctic birds is very good. There are other nice images of birds, that you will find behind the tab “Picture Shop“. Just give a notice if you need a picture of a bird which is not online.