Top nature photographer Flip Nicklin is to present a marine wildlife talk at Hamilton City Hall.

Mr. Nicklin, who works for National Geographic magazine, will speak about Arctic animals and show a special BBC film.

He will also talk about his photographs of bearded seals taken during an assignment in northern Norway.

Weighing in at around 850 pounds, the seals thrive on the coastlines of some of the harshest environments on earth, and present both a human and technical challenge to man and his photo equipment.

Bill Scott, of the Bermuda Zoological Society, said: "Flip was working in temperatures of minus 20 degrees Fahrenheit so there are sure to be some interesting stories told in his humorous, disarming style.

"We are also going to be showing the BBC film: Back from the Abyss. Flip was a consultant on this great film.'' The video, by Washington based cinematographer Rick Rosenthal, tells the story of the world's sperm whales and their struggle back from the brink of extinction -- a subject that is controversial and timely in light of the global debate over the resumption of commercial whaling.

The film said Mr. Scott, contains some incredible footage of these undersea leviathans, not to mention some of Mr. Nicklin's incredible images.

Tickets for the event, sponsored by the Bank of Bermuda, are $10 for adults and $5 for students. Tickets are available at the City Hall box office between 12 and 2 p.m. tomorrow and Friday.

WILD WHISKERS -- This portrait of a bearded seal is one of the many exceptional works in the portfolio of National Geographic photographer Flip Nicklin, who speaks on the Island Friday.