How can you photograph a seal that is no longer willing to linger close to the surface?  What sort of image can you capture if the albatross is speeding through the air faster than ever?  If you’re a wildlife photographer, you need to be aware that climate change may in some cases make wildlife photography even more challenging.

The effects of climate change are not something we tend to observe on a daily basis, however for wildlife photographers we need to be aware that climate change is varying animal behaviour.  There have been a number of reports lately regarding how climate change is altering animal behaviour.  First up, the wandering albatross.  These birds spend most of their lives in flight, often landing only to find food or to breed.  Given these flight patterns and the large wing span of these amazing creatures, it’s already challenging to capture the perfect albatross shot.  And now, thanks to climate change, the challenge is only going to increase.

Scientists have recently confirmed that the wind speeds over the Southern Ocean have been increasing due to climate change.  A trend that has continued over the past three decades, the stronger winds are boosting birds in the Antarctic region to faster flying speeds.  This acceleration may be great for the birds as it shortens the length of their foraging efforts and improves breeding success, however for wildlife photographers and naturalist, increased flight speeds makes wildlife observations and photography extremely challenging.  Could we in fact be nearing the end of great photographs of albatross in flight?  If you are thinking about heading south to observe Antarctic bird life, you might want to plan your voyage sooner rather than later.

Scientists have even identified that the faster flying birds are gaining more than two pounds in weight.  Able to forage and feed at faster rates, the albatross has improved its breeding success, allowing the species to grow even larger.  The accelerated winds are allowing the albatrosses to experience greater wing loading , giving this species with the worlds largest wingspan, even more opportunities to grow.  Bigger and faster, the albatross has been the focus of the research, however scientists also believe that other birds, such as petrels, are feeling the boost of the faster wind speeds.

Over the past few decades, the westerly winds in the Southern Ocean have increased by 15%.  From 1990 to 2010, the accelerated winds have translated into an additional 124 miles per day for the albatross.  However speed is not the only alteration caused by climate change, the westerly winds in the Southern Ocean are also gradually moving toward the pole.  Whilst the albatross and other birds in the region are currently enjoying the benefits of the increased wind speeds, as the poleward shift continues, flights will become more challenging.  Eventually the birds may need to make major changes to their migratory movements, possibly causing significant impacts to the food web in the Southern Ocean.

Another animal feeling the effects of climate change is the elephant seal.  As its prey moves down to the cooler depths of the ocean, the elephant seals are following deeper into the darkness.  Researchers believe that the warmer water temperatures are causing the prey to move down to greater depths, similarly forcing the elephant seals to dive deeper.  For wildlife photographers this means fewer chances to locate and photograph these enormous seals.  However more importantly, this behavioural change is giving the seals less time to feed, as they can only hold their breath for a limited period of time.  If the trend continues and the elephant seals can no longer effectively nourish themselves in their current habitats, they may be forced to relocate to cooler waters to feed. 

As wildlife photographers we all appreciate the importance of understanding animal behaviour, therefore as climate change alters the world around us, we need to watch for changes in animal behaviour that may change our photography.  Stay tuned to Wild Focus for further wildlife information and join one of our photography adventure tours to put your skills to the test.

New sources: Huffington Post and Discovery.