Sam Hood | Ornithologist
As our resident ornithologist Sam is living every twitchers dream - from spotting a flock of Great Shearwater off the south coast of England, to discovering his happy space in St Kilda.
Exploring the world with his new flock
Growing up in the northeast of the UK, Sam was a budding photographer and would spend many evenings and weekends taking his camera out and capturing everything he could. This passion quickly developed into wildlife photography and subsequently from here his love of birds was born. It was through ornithology that he became aware of Hurtigruten. Whilst working on Caledonian MacBrayne off the West Coast of Scotland, he met his now colleague who was conducting a seabird survey onboard an expedition ship and suggested he joined.
This opportunity to explore the world and share in some truly unique wildlife experiences has been one of the highlights of his time with Hurtigruten so far. Sam's fondest experience comes in Iceland when he was taking a small group of guests out exploring on tender boats. During a conversation with a couple, he noted that they had come to Iceland in the hope of spotting Arctic foxes in their natural habitat. Sure enough, as they continued to explore they spotted two foxes down by the water much to the delight of the guests and Sam.
Throughout his career, Sam has been fortunate to explore many seabird colonies around the world, but it is during his maiden voyage to St Kilda that he discovered his happy place. Home to the largest bird colony within the UK, these small islands off the West Coast of Scotland are home to a wide range of birds including Puffins, Gannetts, Guilleymotts, and the endemic St Kilda Wren. MS Maud is currently the only ship within the Hurtigruten fleet that visits these islands and as such makes this the best place to work.
Rarest sighting | Great Shearwater
Often found in the far south of the Atlantic Ocean, Sam has only been able to spot the Great Shearwater on a few occasions. Yet, it was during a sailing around the British Isles onboard MS Maud he spotted 42 off the south coast - a truly unique and exciting experience to see these birds in such great numbers.
Bucket list sighting | Wandering Albatross
Currently at the top of Sam's Ornithology bucket list is the Wandering Albatross. Found in the far south of the Atlantic Ocean, the Wandering Albatross has the largest wingspan of any bird in the world and has been known to travel up to 75,000 miles in a single year.
Best bit about the Expedition Team?
It is often that the crew will change throughout your time onboard our expedition ships. From geology and marine conservation to science and history - being a part of the Expedition Team gives Sam and his colleagues the opportunity to learn and share their passions with others. Providing a constant learning experience that can be passed on to our guests.
