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Waltzing on the Sea


Waltzing on the Sea
Photo Information
Copyright: Selen Ediger (SelenE) Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2339 W: 59 N: 3777] (12120)
Genre: Animals
Medium: Color
Date Taken: 2007-04
Categories: Birds
Camera: Canon EOS 20D, Canon EF 100-400mm F/4.5-5.6L IS USM
Photo Version: Original Version
Date Submitted: 2007-12-27 12:31
Viewed: 898
Points: 60
[Note Guidelines] Photographer's Note
White-Vented Storm-Petrel
(a.k.a. Elliot's Storm-Petrel)
Oceanites gracilis galapagoensis
Endemic subspecies

Justification: Oceanites gracilis occupies tropical waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean, where it is numerous. Prior to 2003, only one nest had ever been found, on Isla Chungungo, Chile (where rats and fire may have caused a decline). During surveys of the island on 6–11 January 2002 three crevices containing perhaps 11 nests were located in the north-east part of the island. Suitable sites are limited on the island, and alternative sites may be too disturbed by nesting Humboldt Penguins Spheniscus humboldti. No evidence of rodents or marsupials was found, although the presence of the Short-tailed Snake Tachymenis chilensis may be cause for concern. A breeding population (subspecies galapagoensis) of several thousands is suspected for the Galápagos, Ecuador. Trends and total population estimates for the species therefore remain unknown.


Kingdom: ANIMALIA
Phylum: CHORDATA
Class: AVES
Order: PROCELLARIIFORMES
Family: HYDROBATIDAE
Common Name/s: WHITE-VENTED STORM-PETREL (Eng)
Species Authority: (Elliot, 1859)
(Source: http://www.iucnredlist.org)

The storm-petrels are seabirds in the family Hydrobatidae, part of the order Procellariiformes. These smallest of seabirds feed on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. The flight is fluttering and sometimes bat-like.

Storm-petrels have a cosmopolitan distribution, being found in all oceans. They are strictly pelagic, coming to land only when breeding. In the case of most species, little is known of their behaviour and distribution at sea, where they can be hard to find and harder to identify. They are colonial nesters, displaying strong philopatry to their natal colonies and nesting sites. Most species nest in crevices or burrows and all but one species attends the breeding colonies nocturnaly. Pairs for long term monogamous bonds and share incubation and chick feeding duties. Like many species of seabird nesting is highly protracted with incubation taking up to 50 days and fledging another 70 days after that.

Taxonomy
Traditionally, two subfamilies are recognized. The Oceanitinadae are mostly found in southern waters (though the Wilson's Storm-petrel regularly migrates into the northern hemisphere); there are 7 species in 5 genera. The Hydrobatinae are the two genera Hydrobates and Oceanodroma. They are largely restricted to the northern hemisphere, although a few can visit or breed a short distance beyond the equator.

Morphology and flight
Storm-petrels are the smallest of all the seabirds, ranging in size from 13-26 cm in length. There are two body shapes in the family; the Oceanitinadae have short wings, square tails, elongated skulls, and long legs; the Hydrobatinae have longer wings, forked or wedge-shaped tails and shorter legs. The legs of all storm-petrels are proportionally longer than those of other Procellariiformes, but they are very week and unable to support the bird's weight for more than a few steps

Storm-petrels use a variety of techniques to aid flight. Most species will occasionally feed by surface pattering, holding and moving their feet on the water's surface while holding steady above the water. They remain stationary by hovering with rapid fluttering or by using the wind to anchor themselves in place. This method of feeding flight is most commonly used by Oceanitinadae storm-petrels. The White-faced Storm-petrel possesses a unique variation on pattering, holding it's wings motionless and at an angle into the wind it pushes itself off the water's surface in a succession of bounding jumps. Storm-petrels also use dynamic soaring and slope soaring to travel over the ocean surface. Dynamic soaring is used mostly by the Hydrobatinae, gliding across wave fronts gaining energy from the vertical wind gradient.Slope soaring is more straightforward and favoured by the Oceanitinadae, the storm-petrel turns to the wind, gaining height, from where it can then glide back down to the sea.

Relationship with humans
The name "petrel" is a diminutive form of "Peter", a reference to Saint Peter; it was given to these birds because they sometimes appear to walk across the water's surface. The more specific 'storm petrel' or 'stormy petrel' is a reference to their habit of hiding in the lee of ships during storms.
Early sailors named these birds "Mother Carey's Chickens" because they were thought to warn of oncoming storms; this name is based on a corrupted form of Mater Cara, a name for the Blessed Virgin Mary.

(source:wikipedia)
pablominto, nglen, rundive, Necipp, rousettus, rcrick, angyl, cataclysta, uleko, fartash, kjpweb, Alex99, claudine, Adanac, JORAPAVI, EOSF1, XOTAELE, sandpiper2, egeerhan, waylim has marked this note useful
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Critiques [Translate]

Hi Selen,
Very beautiful photo assembly. There are petrels also where I live (Réunion island). It is a protected and very beautiful bird. Cheer for this post.
Your note is very interesting: thanks.
Regards

Fred

Merhaba Selen, Very nice series of shots well presented with the black background, the poses of the bird are well selected to show its activity. You're note is quite thorough and informative and I expect you know a lot about nature. Another wonderfull series from your productive trip to the amazing Galapagos Isles. TFS selamlar Necip.

merhaba Selen hanım,
dün tarkuşta görmüştüm. harika bir kolaj çalışması olmuş. her şey güzel harika, en çok da suyun ayna gibi görüntüsü göze çarpıyor. elinize sağlık, ben çok beğendim.
iyi akşamlar, selamlar.

  • Great 
  • joey Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1681 W: 242 N: 5550] (19643)
  • [2007-12-27 14:03]

An original and very likeable collage Selen!
I don't think I've ever seen a Storm Petrel on TN before let alone a whole montage of one!
I love the silky water and the reflections.
Great action shots that are sharp and very clear.
Well done!
Thanks,
Joe

A perfect succession of shots of a storm petrel Selen Hanım, all sharply in focus and all under good illumination against a nice BG. Well done and TFS.
Mehmet

Merhaba Selen,
Selam!!
Excellent composition with 5 in 1!
very sharp in each one of them also the colouration is brilliant!
very respected composition well seen
many thanks for sharing
HAPPY NEW YEAR MY DEAR FRIEND!
Tony

  • Great 
  • Juyona Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 2036 W: 6 N: 2017] (13253)
  • [2007-12-27 15:12]

Hola Selen,
hermosos momentos y excelente composición.
agradable trabajo,
saludos

hello selen
bravo pour cet excellent montage, bonne netteté de chacune, couleurs parfaites, bonne idée de présentation, merci a toi, c' est super
edith

  • Great 
  • rcrick Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 623 W: 42 N: 1142] (3696)
  • [2007-12-27 17:13]

Hi Selen.
Excellent composition what a great collection of images and so well presented, I love the colour and the light on the water just beautiful, the exposure in all images is spot on, really nice work :) all the best Cheers Rick :)

  • Great 
  • Mana Gold Star Critiquer/Silver Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1714 W: 24 N: 4988] (16346)
  • [2007-12-27 22:41]

Hi Selen,
Just marking it to come back later with a proper critique.
Regards.
Sumon

Hi Selen
Great set of photos. interesting and funny presentation, great note
I like it very much
Krzysztof

  • Great 
  • Argus Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2596 W: 133 N: 7433] (23169)
  • [2007-12-28 2:50]

Wow, Selen!
A superb collage showing a White-vented Storm Petrel in action on the surface of the water. Each image is sharp and of high quality and shows different aspects of the Storm petrel well.
Thanks for sharing this one,
Ivan

  • Great 
  • uleko Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 2458 W: 168 N: 7420] (23432)
  • [2007-12-28 5:58]

Hello Selen,
Wonderful sequence showing this Storm-Petrel seeking food and tip-toeing on the beautiful blue water! All images are very sharp and I love the gentle movement of the water. Very interesting note too.
Many thanks and best wishes, Ulla

Merhaba Selen, splendid colage with wonderful dancing bird, excellent serie of photos with great shrpness, lovely PP work, very well done, ciao Silvio

Hello Selen
Very intersting photo serie of this beautiful
bird,Superb work my friend.

Best wishes for 2008 :o)
Fartash

  • Great 
  • nglen Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1988 W: 5 N: 5524] (20880)
  • [2007-12-28 7:56]

Hi Selen. This is a very good set of pictures. each one a beauty. good detail and colours. you have used the light so wwell. well done TFS,
Nick.. very good notes as well. TFS.
Nick..


A Happy New Year to You and Your family.

Excellent - both images and notes. Well made collage.
Bravo!
Cheers, Klaus

  • Great 
  • Alex99 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 3029 W: 148 N: 4520] (14595)
  • [2007-12-28 9:08]

Hi Selen.
What a fantastic collage. Great photos. I am especially amazed with surprising images of the water. It looks like expensive noble textile. Bird is reflected brilliantly. It is poses, details and sharpness, colours are fine. Bravo.
Alexei.

  • Great 
  • arfer Gold Star Critiquer [C: 2731 W: 0 N: 0] (0)
  • [2007-12-28 20:52]

Hello Selen

I was going to say that it looked like it was walking on water and then I read the very informative notes and see that is how they got their name.
The focus is sharp with excellent details.
Very good use of the lighting.
The colours are well saturated and vivid.
Nicely done.
TFS

Rob

A very good action filled collage Selen. It is nice to follow each frame sometimes to see just how you captured all the action.
Have a nice weekend.

Hi Selen,
What an impressive montage and interesting notes about this specie. All movements are well frozen with excellent clarity and this is not easy to do. This is a beautiful sequence and this water looks amazing. Thanks for sharing this instructive post. Happy New Year to you! :)!
Claudine

Hello Selen,
Well seen, and it is a lovely presentation!
The images are all of high tech quality, and put together the make up an educational sequence...
Greetings,
Pablo -

  • Great 
  • Adanac Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Note Writer [C: 1043 W: 1 N: 4096] (13768)
  • [2007-12-30 4:06]

Hi Selen,
Wonderful montage with all images possessing good sharpness and showing this petrol skimming the surface of the water. Thanks Selen and Happy New Year.
Rick

Hola Selen,
Precioso collage de bella composición, buen POV y excelente iluminación, bellos colores naturales. Que tengas un feliz ańo nuevo. Saludos
José Ramón

  • Great 
  • EOSF1 Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1329 W: 107 N: 4785] (21248)
  • [2007-12-30 9:04]

Hello Selen ! Wow great collage of images from this great bird 'walking' on the water ! Perfectly sharp details and great overall quality like always ! Thanks, have a great new year !

Mario

Hi Selen,
All excellent photographs. I really like the way you have created this collage. Very informative notes to compliment this. Hope you and your family have a great 2008.
Scott

Hola Slen.
Una fabulosa presentación la que has compuesto con estas cinco preciosas imágenes...
Bellos tonos y muy acertada su ejecución.
Saludos, JL.

Hi Selen

Waht great collection of shots of this delicate seabird. All are well exposed with good sharpness. Looks like you had some calm seas on your trip out to the Galapogos.

Chris

güzel bir çalışma olmuş not ise bir harika elleine saglık selen

Selen,
I love how these birds standing on water so elegantly, as you titled it, like they are dancing on water. I saw them from a distance, when I was there. I have a couple of photos I may post later. This a good compilation of different shot with great details and sharpness. Thanks for taking the time. I really enjoyed it.
Way

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