Eyes Speak Words

Vivid black head, back and wings, but dark brown when closely observed. Clean white underbody. Rapid wingbeats to keep their heavy bodies aloft in flight. These eye-catching qualities are what define the common guillemot. A large-sized seabird that spends their lives mainly at sea in the northern hemisphere. Only coming ashore to breed on rocky shores, cliffs and sea stacks.

It was a summer afternoon on the west coast of Scotland’s Isle of Skye. I was exploring Neist Point. Home to one of Scotland’s most famous lighthouses. The lighthouse sits nestled against a towering bird cliff that juts out of the Atlantic Ocean. Observing the circling birdlife overhead, I decided to try and find a better perspective of the cliff face. 

After several failed attempts to get a good vantage point near the edges of the steep cliff, I spotted a small nook with a ledge. I climbed down onto it. The sound of bird activity intensified. Carefully peering around the corner, a small section of the cliff face appeared right in front of me. Centred amongst the orchestral birdlife were two Guillemot, only a stone's throw away. I remained still as we exchanged observations.

This photograph captures that exchange. A brief but friendly stalemate that determined neither party posed any threat. I enjoy these encounters in nature. Reading the animal to assess if they’re accepting of your presence or whether you should back off. Even though we are a completely different species, we’re still able to in some way communicate through eye contact and body language.

Printed on premium quality Giclée Hahnemühle Photo Rag fine art paper.

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