Razorbills

Our first trip out to see the Razorbills, Alca torda, is a success: we can see them:

Razorbill - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

There’s even a brief chance to get a flying shot, despite the gloomy weather:

Razorbill - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

On a second trip I have more success: one comes to land only a few feet away from me:

Razorbill - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

It’s like a Puffin’s serious older brother:

Razorbill - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

There’s still not enough sunlight for the spectacular flying shots I’d like to get, but at least I nailed the focus on that beak in these:

This one stretches its wings and flaps on the cliff edge:

Razorbill - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

The RSPB say: “The future of this species is linked to the health of the marine environment. Fishing nets, pollution and declining fish stocks all threaten the razorbill.” There’s very little hope for them, then.

It looks straight at me, accusingly. Those facial markings are extraordinary:

Razorbill - The Hall of Einar - photograph (c) David Bailey (not the)

It’s a thrill to be so close.

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