Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica)

Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula arctica) on Staffa Island, Scotland. August 2015. Not baited. Not called in.

Going to Scotland as late as mid-august, I knew my chances to see Atlantic Puffins (Fratercula arctica) were very low. I had read blogs and websites before the trip, talked to a couple of local photographers, and all agreed that by then the season is over and the birds are back in the ocean where they spend the winter. Once on Isle of Mull, my friends and I went for a boat trip to Staffa Island. Right before reaching the shore, I hear the captain say "Puffin!". I quickly looked ahead of the boat and saw this one flying so fast above the water with its mouth full of fish. Amazing!  Even the captain was surprised. He said most of them left the area few days before. Later that day, we spotted three more on the water. I dream to come back during the good season in order to spend more time watching them. The "clowns of the sea" are so intriguing to me.

Love Nature.
Jonathan