Lord Howe Island: A UNESCO Seabird Sanctuary | Bird Photography

Remote, rugged, and profoundly alive, Lord Howe Island is one of the most extraordinary seabird strongholds on Earth. Rising from the Tasman Sea, this UNESCO World Heritage–listed island is a sanctuary where endemic species thrive, ecological balance is fiercely protected, and the connection between people and nature runs deep. In this documentary, I am invited to travel to Lord Howe Island to photograph its iconic seabirds and immerse myself in the rhythms of island life. From dramatic coastal cliffs to breeding colonies alive with sound and motion, this is a place that demands patience, respect, and careful observation. But beyond the visual spectacle lies a far more urgent story. Through in-depth conversations with the island’s dedicated biosecurity dog teams, I learn how Lord Howe works tirelessly to prevent invasive species from ever reaching its shores, an effort critical to the survival of its birds. I also sit down with island naturalist Ian Hutton, whose decades-long research into plastic ingestion in Flesh-footed Shearwaters reveals the devastating impact of marine pollution, even in the most remote corners of the planet. This film is not just about photography, it is about responsibility, resilience, and bearing witness. It is about documenting beauty, while confronting the threats that quietly erode it. More Information Visit: https://lordhoweisland.info #wildlifephotography #seabirds #conservation #wildlifedocumentary #nikon #rachelbigsby #lordhoweisland #islandlife #birdphotography 🔔 Support my channel by subscribing 📲 Follow me on Instagram: @rachelbigsby 📧 Get a FREE photography ebook when you subscribe: www.rachelbigsby.com --- 👋 Who am I? My name is Rachel Bigsby, a wildlife photographer specialising in seabirds, remote locations, and conservation-focused visual storytelling. My work has been internationally recognised, including the Natural Artistry Award in Wildlife Photographer of the Year and the Portfolio Award in Bird Photographer of the Year. I’m a Nikon Creator, an RSPB ambassador, a published National Geographic photographer, and a wildlife photography expedition leader. I’m a self-taught photographer, building my career through hands-on fieldwork, independent research, and years of experience working closely with wildlife. On this channel, I share behind-the-scenes insights into wildlife photography, filming in extreme environments, ethical field practice, and the realities of working in conservation-led photography. My work goes beyond creating images. By combining scientific understanding with artistic vision, I aim to tell honest stories about wildlife that encourage deeper connection, respect, and long-term conservation awareness. --- 🎥 Equipment featured in this video @NikonEurope Z9 NIKKOR Z 400mm f/4.5 NIKKOR Z 135mm Plena f/1.8 @ShimodaDesigns Action X30 v2 Backpack (Army Green) Delkin Devices Black 1.2 TB CFexpress Cards --- 🎥 Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:17 About Lord Howe Island's Seabirds 01:41 Sooty Terns 02:44 White Terns 04:00 Black Noddy's 04:43 Flesh Footed Shearwaters 05:41 Balls Pyramid, the world's tallest sea stack! 07:14 Seabird Biosecurity Dogs 10:00 Meeting with Ian Hutton, Island Naturalist 15:43 Closing thoughts and thanks