Valentia Island, County Kerry part two

I always come back to this special place on Valentia Island, Culloo Rock.
Out of the tourist and angling season, there are just stone, waves, really fresh air and if you are lucky rays of sunshine on the Atlantic Ocean.
To actually go on the rock right now is way too dangerous, you have to be really careful with the high swell of the water.
Further down is a short video I took with my camera, so you get an idea how powerful the water is.
Long shutterspeeds for some of the photos give the tumultous waves a veil - like appearance.

Valentia Island County Kerry

I took those photos today on Valentia Island near Culloo Rock.
Heavy swell and a strong salty spray was certainly not easy on the camera and lens but I took the photos with my back to the wind and the frontlens stayed dry for some time. The area is beautiful any time but highly dangerous too. Never walk on any wet rocks and watch what is happening behind you. When taking photos check for emergency exit or place to cover in case of a big wave.
Mind your gear, the salt in the air is devastating on the camera body and lens. Clean all when home. Do not take any risk and do not go to close to the edge, people have died here.
When taking photos try different shutterspeed setting and stay settled to wait for the next nice wave.

January Workshop, review

Skellig Birds, part six.

All information about birds in Ireland among other things can be found on birdwatchireland.ie
with this alphabetical list of birds

Gannet colony Little Skellig

Gannet colony Little Skellig

Gannet colony Little Skellig

Puffins Skellig Michael

Puffins Skellig Michael

Puffins Skellig Michael

Puffins Skellig Michael

In October of 2011 RTE, Radio One broadcast a wonderful documentaty about Skellig Michael and its birds, called Skelligs Calling after one of Michael Kirby´s fantastic books about the area of Ballinskelligs, the lif e of fishermen and of course the Skelligs.

Skellig Birds, part five.

Puffins

Little Skellig Gannet Colony

Little Skellig Gannet Colony

Little Skellig Gannet Colony

Little Skellig Gannet Colony

Puffins

Puffins

Puffins

Razorbills

Razorbills and Puffins

Razorbills

Puffins

Information about Razorbills and Gannets are to be found on birdwatchirelands website

Skellig Birds, part four.

Oystercatcher Skellig Michael

Guillemots

Guillemots

Cormorants

Cormorant

Gannets Little Skellig

Fulmar talking 

  

Information about Cormorants and Guillemots can be found on the Birdwatch Ireland website here and here