Soft-plumaged Petrel

Capturing the Soft-plumaged Petrel on camera is a unique challenge because they are almost exclusively pelagic. Unless you are stationed on a remote island like Gough, Marion, or the Antipodes, you won't find these in a traditional suburban backyard. For researchers or residents of these remote outposts, camera traps should be positioned approximately 1 to 2 feet off the ground, angled directly at the entrance of known active burrows. Because these birds are nocturnal on land, use a camera with 'No-Glow' or 'Black' infrared LEDs; standard 'Low-Glow' IR can sometimes startle them, leading to abandoned entries.

Set your camera to a high-sensitivity trigger and use 'Burst Mode' to capture 3-5 photos per trigger. These petrels are remarkably fast when landing and scuttling into their holes to avoid predation, so a fast trigger speed (0.2 seconds or less) is essential. Since they breed on steep, windy slopes, ensure your camera housing is weighted or securely strapped to a T-post or a sturdy rock to prevent 'false triggers' caused by wind-blown tussock grass. If possible, clear a small 3-foot radius of tall grass directly in front of the lens to keep the focus sharp on the bird rather than the vegetation.

Video mode is particularly effective for this species to record their unique vocalizations and social interactions. If you are using video, set the duration to 15-20 seconds with a minimal 're-arm' time. Be mindful of the salt-heavy air and extreme humidity of their island habitats; using desiccant silica gel packets inside the camera housing is a must to prevent lens fogging during the damp nocturnal hours when the birds are most active.