Razorbills

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

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

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

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

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:

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:

It’s a thrill to be so close.