Description

This photograph of an Atlantic Puffin was taken on the southern facing cliff of the Great Saltee Island ( located off the coast of Kilmore Quay, Ireland) in June of 2014. I happened to be fortunate enough to be one of the 10 permitted on the island that day.
Of note; Atlantic Puffins diet consists almost solely of fish, but it is found to occasionally eat shrimp, mollusks, and other crustaceans, and thus would be considered a bird of prey.
Unknown if male or female, this mature bird appeared to be nesting and had a burrow that it was tending to, just beyond the right hand frame of this picture. The bird itself was perpendicular to my location, and about 25 feet down cliff side.
The natural oily sheen of the wings from its’ preen gland is apparent in the photograph of this beautiful seabird.
I was able to observe and photograph this bird for a good half hour midday, until it returned to its burrow. I have to say, it was quite a joy to watch this remarkable bird, and hope to see one again this year when I visit.

Category

Week 14: Birds of Prey

Species

• Atlantic Puffin