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Puffin (Fratercula arctica)
An unmistakable bird with its black back and white underparts, and distinctive black head with large pale cheeks and a tall, flattened,
brightly-coloured bill. Its comical appearance is heightened by its red and black eye-markings and bright orange legs. Used as a symbol for books and other items, this clown among seabirds is one of the world's favourite birds.
I took these photographs on the Farne Islands in
Northumberland, over several visits from 2004 - 2008, this is a managed National Trust site with daily boats
trips leaving from Seahouses. The birds are easily approached on
boardwalks around the island, and are more concerned about the gulls
taking their sand eels than photographers taking their photograph. |
The above image like the one on the right, shows a a very
successful bird resting prior to braving the gulls which hang around the
nest sites waiting to rob the puffins of their sand eels. Nature is very
unfair sometimes, but it is amusing to listen to the school parties as the
children (especially the girls) cheer the successful puffins who manage to
scurry down the nest holes with all sand eels still in their beaks.
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The above image is the one every photographer wants on their
arrival, this bird has returned to the island and is taking a breather
before braving the gulls close by the nesting area.
This image on the left shows the moment of the crime. The Black
headed Gull has just stolen two Sand Eels with its first peck,
after another peck it will have the entire catch of Eels from the
Puffin who must then return to Sea on another fishing trip. |
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This image was taken as the birds was returning to
the island carrying some vegetation for its nest.
Although the Puffin
builds its nest underground it regularly collects vegetation for soft
bedding. Even though it was obvious that it was carrying food, the bird
was still mobbed by Gulls when it landed. |
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This image was taken as a puffin returned to the
island with its beak full of sand eels.
Not only do you have to
concentrate on following the birds in flight and hoping that you can keep
them in focus, but you must be lucky with the sun direction and also
compensate the exposure so that the bird is not reduced to a silhouette
against the bright sky. |
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Another image of the succesful
'Fisher-Puffin' returning with a beak full of sand eels. It must
be hard enough catching one eel, but the Puffins regulalry return
with a beak full. They must have to chase after the fast moving
sand eels whilst hanging onto the ones already caught.
Just how does it then open its beak to grab the next eel
without the previous ones escaping? |
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The last two images are of a puffin leaving the
island in search of sand eels. On some days due to the wind direction all
of the puffins follow the same route as they return to or leave the nests.
You simply take up position (amongst the other photographers) and try your
best to follow these fast flying little birds. |
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Second and Third image -Pentax *ist D Sigma 70 - 300mm lens.
First, Forth -bottom images - Canon 30D Canon 100-400mm lens.
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