Puffins!

Yesterday we explored the mighty ‘seabird city’; today is the turn of the suburbs. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking all seabirds on the east coast nest in Bempton, but of course that is not the case, and all along the coast there are smaller settlements, noisy and frantic too - just not quite so intense as the city itself. 

Are these the desirable suburbs, areas avian estate agents would sell as quieter places with more living space, room to grow and raise a family with better prospects? Or are these the slums or favelas where those yet to gain a foot on the seabird ladder of success are forced to eek out a living, huddled tightly packed on inferior cliffs? 

From our observations, neither is the case. These are simply smaller Bemptons, and it is at one of these we spot our first puffins. We’re each looking at opposite cliff faces, and seem to spot groups of these gorgeous little birds simultaneously- though G is obviously so excited he shouts he’s seen a penguin! 

My sighting is the better - of course - as at least one of the three is in the sunlight. We watch, mesmerised, as he stands on those wonderful bright feet and performs for us. First there’s the fluff of feathers, flapping wings in practice flight - a little exercise perhaps. Then there’s the standing on one leg manoeuvre, balancing so the other webbed appendage can scratch behind the ear. Then finally, there’s the shouty, open-beaked call, his little orange tongue pointing skywards.  Magical.