Aug 14, 2024, 7:51 PM
Aug 14, 2024, 7:51 PM

Puffins: Brave Birds of the Sea

Highlights
  • Puffins are described as intelligent, fearless, and loyal birds of the sea.
  • The author recalls a childhood memory of fishing by a cove where the Atlantic and Minch meet.
  • The puffins are recognized for their bravery and smarts, contrary to popular misconceptions.
Story

Puffins, iconic seabirds known for their colorful beaks, are facing significant population declines across the UK, with estimates indicating a loss of one in four since 2000. The latest seabird census revealed that over half of the seabird species breeding on British and Irish coasts have decreased in numbers over the past two decades. Notably, the Butt of Lewis, once a thriving habitat for puffins, has seen a marked reduction in sightings. The largest puffin colony in the UK is located on the remote St Kilda, home to approximately 130,000 breeding pairs. Other notable locations for observing these birds include the Shiant Isles, Dunnet Head, and the Isle of May. Puffins are known for their unique breeding habits, raising only one chick, or 'puffling,' each year in burrows during the summer months. Conservation efforts have been initiated, including a ban on sand-eel fishing in Scottish waters, aimed at supporting the recovery of these beloved seabirds. The RSPB has long advocated for measures to protect puffins and their habitats, with former Environment Secretary Steve Barclay highlighting the importance of these initiatives. Puffins are not only a source of national pride but also a significant part of the ecosystem, relying on sand-eels, sprats, and herring for sustenance. The Puffin Club, established in 1967, continues to engage children in the joys of reading and nature, ensuring the legacy of these charming birds endures.

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