Recommended camera settings#
Focal length needed to frame it#
For a subject about 32 cm long filling a third or half of the frame width horizontally.
| Distance | ⅓ of frame (FF) | ½ of frame (FF) | ⅓ of frame (APS-C) | ⅓ of frame (MFT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 m (16 ft) | 182 mm | 270 mm | 121 mm | 91 mm |
| 10 m (33 ft) | 363 mm | 541 mm | 242 mm | 182 mm |
| 15 m (49 ft) | 545 mm | 811 mm | 363 mm | 273 mm |
| 20 m (66 ft) | 727 mm | 1,081 mm | 485 mm | 363 mm |
| 30 m (98 ft) | 1,090 mm | 1,622 mm | 727 mm | 545 mm |
| 50 m (164 ft) | 1,817 mm | 2,703 mm | 1,211 mm | 909 mm |
About the Pigeon Guillemot#
The pigeon guillemot (Cepphus columba) is a species of bird in the auk family, Alcidae. One of three species in the genus Cepphus, it is most closely related to the spectacled guillemot. There are five subspecies of the pigeon guillemot; all subspecies, when in breeding plumage, are dark brown with a black iridescent sheen, with a distinctive wing patch broken by a brown-black wedge.
Summary adapted from Wikipedia via iNaturalist (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Field-craft tips#
- Puffins return to burrows with fish in summer — sit and wait above the colony.
- Bright sand and surf fool meters — dial in exposure manually or with auto-ISO and compensation.
- Sightings peak in June and July, which is when you'll have the most chances.
Ethics#
- The welfare of the animal comes first: if it changes its behaviour because of you, you are too close.
- Stay on trails, respect closures around nests, leks, dens and haul-outs.
- Avoid playback and baiting in sensitive seasons; never bait predators.
- Don't share precise locations of rare, nesting or roosting animals publicly.
More Auks, Murres, and Puffins#
Frequently asked questions#
What lens do I need to photograph a Pigeon Guillemot?
At about 32 cm long, a pigeon guillemot fills a third of a full-frame image at 10 m with roughly 363 mm, or at 20 m with 727 mm.
What shutter speed should I use for a Pigeon Guillemot?
1/1000 s when it's still; 1/2500–1/4000 s for action.
When is the best time to photograph a Pigeon Guillemot?
Observations in North America peak in June and July. Early morning and late afternoon give the best light and activity.
Sources & licences#
- iNaturalist — Observation data CC BY-NC; photo licence as credited
- Wikipedia — CC BY-SA 4.0
Last updated October 03, 2026 · How we calculate · Sources