Flesh-footed Shearwater

Capturing the Flesh-footed Shearwater on camera is a unique challenge because they are almost exclusively pelagic. If you live on the coast or have access to offshore island properties, the best approach is to set up cameras near known nesting burrows or along 'flight paths' where they land. Position your camera low to the ground—about 12 to 18 inches—and angle it slightly upward to catch them as they waddle toward their burrow entrances or engage in social displays.

Because these birds are most active at the colony during the night, high-quality infrared (IR) or 'no-glow' flash is essential to avoid scaring them. Fast trigger speeds are a must, as their movements on land can be surprisingly quick and clumsy. Avoid using any food lures, as this can disrupt their natural foraging and potentially attract predators like rats or cats to the sensitive nesting site. Instead, focus on natural landmarks like well-worn paths through the scrub or near the base of large trees where they often land.

If you are trying to capture them from a boat or pier, use a high-speed action setting to freeze their dynamic flight. They are often attracted to the 'chum' or fish scraps from boats, so a camera mounted to a stable part of the deck facing the wake can provide stunning shots of them diving or skimming the surface. Seasonal timing is everything; ensure your cameras are active during the southern spring and summer when they return to land to breed.