Photographer captures species capable of diving at up to 53mph – faster than Olympic divers! His image 'Sunball Rocket' just won the grand prize in the world's largest bird photography competition

A British photographer has captured an astonishing image of a northern gannet diving at speeds up to 53 miles per hour, shattering the world record for diving speed in birds. Henley Spiers, an underwater photographer, writer, and expedition leader, won the grand prize in the Bird Photographer of the Year competition for his photograph titled "Sunball Rocket." The image showcases a northern gannet emerging from the water with the rising sun behind it, captured in Scotland, United Kingdom.

Spiers explains that northern gannets can reach these incredible speeds due to their specialized body structure. When diving, the birds' neck muscles lock their vertebrae into place, while air sacs in their face and chest act as natural airbags. Their nostrils are also adapted for underwater life, positioned internally to prevent water from entering during deep dives.

The Nikon AF-S 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E ED Fisheye lens, launched in 2017, played a crucial role in capturing this remarkable moment. Spiers had to use an adapter, such as the Nikon Mount Adapter FTZ II, to mount the lens on his mirrorless full-frame camera. The image was taken with a Nikon Z8 camera, Nikon AF-S 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E ED Fisheye lens, and a Nauticam NA-Z8 underwater housing. The exposure settings were 1/200 second, f/11, and ISO 500.