<< Previous Next >>

Puffin *for Gordon Ramsay*


Puffin *for Gordon Ramsay*
Photo Information
Copyright: Pekka Valo (pekkavalo1) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 453 W: 58 N: 2111] (6749)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2008-05-03
Categories: Birds
Camera: Canon EOS 40D, Sigma EX 500mm f4.5 APO HSM, RAW ISO 800, Kenko Teleplus Pro 300 DG 1.4x
Exposure: f/9.0, 1/640 seconds
Details: Tripod: Yes
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2008-07-31 15:58
Viewed: 1180
Points: 28
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
This is an adult Puffin photographed at Bempton Cliffs in Yorkshire coast.

I am on the road at the moment and would not post this picture otherwise but I saw a climpse of a very disturbing TV programme featuring one of the 'celebrity cheffs' Gorgon Ramsay hunting and cooking Puffins in Iceland where it for some reason is allowed. I find it discusting that people are making money by killing endangered animals. We should all boycott Channel 4 and Gordon Ramsay in every possible way until and if they come up with a proper apology. I used to respect Mr Ramsay very much.

Here is some of the story from NZ Herald:

"Prickly culinary guru Gordon Ramsay has been blasted by viewers after he ate the raw heart of a dead puffin on his F Word television show.

Footage of the fiery chef hunting the cute bird in Iceland's Westman Islands was broadcast on British TV earlier this week.

On the programme, Ramsay was seen catching a puffin in a net, while a companion in hunter-gatherer mode proceeded to snap the neck of another of the birds and "pulled out the dead animal's heart, which he ate raw," says the Daily Mail.

Ramsay was then seen eating the heart of another bird after it was tossed to him.

The chef was not seen killing any birds on camera, but was filmed rustling up a dish of barbecued puffin with cucumber salad during the programme.

On the schnoz

And in an act best described as karma, one of the pottymouth chef's angry prey took umbrage at being strangled and proceeded to bite him on the nose. He needed three stitches.

Ramsay tells Britain's Sun newspaper: "They put make-up on my nose and Jesus Christ it looks bad. I keep saying one of my kids punched me. I'm too embarrassed to say it was a puffin."

Media watchdog Ofcom is apparently investigating the programme after receiving seven complaints from viewers.

A spokesperson said: "I can confirm that there have been seven complaints from viewers about the treatment of puffins on last night's episode of The F Word."

One viewer wrote on the F Word forum: "I caught the last few minutes where to my horror Gordon Ramsay took part in catching and killing puffins. And then he made silly remarks when the terrified bird he caught defended itself and bit him.

"These birds are declining in the UK and to show their killing in another country where it is allowed is irresponsible.

"A very bad move on Gordon's part to be seen to condone practices in another country that would definitely not be tolerated here."

Ramsay says that he was granted a licence to cull 1,000 puffins, and "didn't realise how difficult they are to cook, but they're very tasty!"

Oh, and as a final insult to those puffins who corked it, the TV show's official website even features a recipe for marinated puffin, served with a special 'volcanic bread'.

Lip-smackingly delicious with a nice Chianti? I think not.

Do you think Ramsay went too far with his puffin antics?"
Royaldevon, Argus, anilnediyara, CeltickRanger, eqshannon, jaycee, elizabeth has marked this note useful
Only registered TrekNature members may rate photo notes.
Add Critique [Critiquing Guidelines] 
Only registered TrekNature members may write critiques.
Discussions
ThreadThread Starter Messages Updated
To Royaldevon: Answer from the TV producerpekkavalo1 1 08-03 10:57
You must be logged in to start a discussion.

Critiques [Translate]

  • Great 
  • jaycee Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2493 W: 11 N: 6885] (21912)
  • [2008-07-31 16:11]

Hi Pekka,

Boo to Ramsay. And to the people who eat them! These are the most adorable birds in the world - my dream is to see one. If I lived in England I would go along with the boycott. I love this close-up of the Puffin. That face is priceless. Nice colors and details and I'm so jealous that you have seen so many of them.

Jane

I have seen my share of Puffin pixs...but this one stands out a bit because of the VERY diverse backdrop it/you chose. Back is almost competing for attention but in a good way. So that combination makes a good image and an enjoyable one to see!
Bob

hello Pekka

excellent close-up shot of this Puffin with fine POV, DOF
and portrait style framing, i love this bird's pose (leg's and head's),
beautiful luminosity and colour tones, excellent sharpness & details, TFS

Asbed

Hi Pekka,

Thanks for bring Ramsay's act to attention, very irresponsible behaviour on their part. How can any one think of harming such a cute bird, endangered or not. Shame on him and producers of the show. TFS
Regards
Anil

Hello Pekka,
These are for sure may favorites birds so far, and how no come and view this picture.
I like the close approach and pose got, in which we can appreciate all the rich colours and patterns at the head.
Well done and thanks for share.
My best regards,
JM

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3012 W: 162 N: 1012] (2959)
  • [2008-08-01 0:51]

Hej Pekka,
Another lovely capture of a Puffin on the cliff edge. I like the way it is looking up.
Fine details and beautiful colours.
A sad story - I bet there have been enough protests from England though. It is really shocking!
TFS and best wishes, Ulla

  • Great 
  • lousat Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1982 W: 6 N: 5529] (19689)
  • [2008-08-01 2:17]

Hi Pekkavalo,the perfection of this pic no need comment but just my best compliment,thanks to show us this beauty,have a nice day,Luciano

  • Great 
  • gannu Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1169 W: 4 N: 3262] (14691)
  • [2008-08-01 3:55]

Hello Pekka, I hope to catch this puffin sometime in my life. Excellently captured and shot beautifully. Great clarity and focus. Ganesh

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3840 W: 190 N: 11430] (35227)
  • [2008-08-02 0:48]

Hello Pekka,
The sad story of a well-known TV cook catching, killing and eating a threatened and striking species of bird is another account of how the vast majority of people don't care a dam about our natural world. What chance is there when even people in the public eye behave in this way?
Let's hope that we shall still see and enjoy these Atlantic Puffins long in the future so that people like you can show fine shots like this.
TFS for sharing this excellent sharp capture of a Puffin as well as the note.
Ivan

  • Great 
  • siggi Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1392 W: 56 N: 4802] (16520)
  • [2008-08-02 1:22]

Hello Pekka,
Good dof on this beautiful image of Puffin!
I loved the pose of him with good lighting here!
very sharp with good colour and superb details
well done
Siggi

Hi Pekka, lovely Puffin with splendid details and excellent sharpness, beautiful colors, very well done, have a good week end, ciao Silvio

Hello Pekka,

Thank you for alerting me to the horrendous practices of Gordon Ramsay! I didn't see it but am horrified by what you have to say!
I think we should all complain to the BBC about what we consider to be a cruel destruction of an endagered species. This is not prime-time t.v. entertainment!

Just looking at your delightful shot, showing so well the character and details of this lovely seabird, I find it difficult to believe that anyone could have designs on them other than to watch and record their antics.

Kind regards,
Bev :-)

p.s. I have just launched a complaint to the BBC!

  • Great 
  • Janice Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3315 W: 148 N: 6113] (18648)
  • [2008-08-04 3:27]

Hi Pekka, I would love to see these first up close. They look so quaint - like little clowns.
And I too read the news in the latest newspaper here in NZ about Gordon Ramsay. Hurrah for the puffin nipping him on the nose.
Lovely photo, super colours and I do like that expression he has in his eyes.
TFS
Janice

A gorgeous photo of a gorgeous bird! How awful that Gordon Ramsay condoned and promoted the killing (and eating) of such an awesome creature!!! I would dearly love the opportunity to photograph a Puffin and have always admired the work of other photographers who have such opportunities.

You have selected a very strong composition for your image and the colours are vibrant yet natural. I really like the pose too.

Well done and TFS.

Cheers from NZ
Elizabeth

Calibration Check
















0123456789ABCDEF