Wednesday, 3 August 2022

Active cetaceans

Cetaceans (whales and dolphins) displaying an array of surface activities. Such a variety of species and behaviours can all be seen in a few hours on the water off the Azores islands. 


False killer whale (Pseudorsca crassidens) breaching

Sperm whale (Physeter macrocephalus) tail breaching

Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) breaching

Atlantic spotted dolphin (Stenella frontalis) surfing across the water

Common dolphin (Delphinus delphis) leaping

Friday, 29 July 2022

Rotorua, New Zealand

Rotorua in New Zealand is known for its rich geothermal activity. The area is scattered geysers, natural hot springs and pools of bubbling mud. Among these areas of volcanic activity there is a surprising amount of vibrant green life that has found a way to adapt to the extreme conditions.

 






Thursday, 28 July 2022

The road to Milford Sound

By far my favourite road that I have ever driven is the road to Milford Sound in New Zealand. Through glacial-cut valleys and surrounded by towering mountains, the views are absolutely breathtaking.

 




Wednesday, 27 July 2022

New Zealand coastlines

Almost my whole life I've lived next to an ocean or sea of some description. Coastlines and its inhabitants are one of my favourite subjects to photograph. Especially in New Zealand where you can still find plenty of wild and beautiful locations. 

 



Little shag (microcarbo melanoleucos)

White-faced heron (Egretta novaehollandiae)

Thursday, 21 July 2022

Cetaceans in the Azores

The beauty of going out to see cetaceans in the Azores is that you never know what you are going to see. There is such a huge array of species you can can come across, and the different behaviours and changing weather makes each encounter unique. Nothing beats seeing them in calm waters.

 


Dolphin encounters in calm waters are the best

Big and bulky bottlenose dolphins

A massive male sperm whale with a well pronounced head

Tuesday, 19 July 2022

Lush green landscapes

The Azores islands are well known for their lush green blanket of vegetation. Many of the viewpoints over the island can best be described as picture perfect and just like a postcard. At least when you are lucky enough to have clear skies over the highest peaks.

 

The famous twin lakes (blue and green) of Sete Cidades


A view over São Miguel Island

Sunday, 17 July 2022

The sperm whales of the north

The north coast of São Miguel Island attracts more sperm whales than the south. Off the north, these whales are often in mass gatherings of dozens of individuals. The best part is that the north coast has not been as "touched" by tourism like the south coast has. Over the years, my most most incredible moments with sperm whales have all been off the north coast.

 



Tail breach sequence

A gathering of sperm whales
 
Folded dorsal fin of a newborn calf between several females