Shearwater Flight, 07.22.19

Shearwater birds are a fascinating group of seabirds known for their graceful, gliding flight over the open ocean. Belonging to the Procellariidae family, these medium to large birds are often recognized by their slender wings and streamlined bodies, which enable them to cover vast distances with minimal effort. Shearwaters primarily feed on fish, squid, and other marine life, often diving beneath the water's surface to catch their prey. They are also notable for their long migratory journeys, with some species traveling thousands of miles annually between breeding and feeding grounds. Their nesting habits typically involve burrows or crevices on remote islands, where they raise their chicks away from predators. Adapted to life at sea, shearwaters embody the resilience and beauty of marine avian species.

This photograph was made from the waters off the western side of the Big Island of Hawaii.