Along the Westray coast are hundreds of Fulmars’ nests. Their fluffy chicks are a constant surprise while scrambling among the rocks. They spit rancid fish oil at intruders, which explains their local name, Mallimack, or ‘bad mouth’. They are such a contrast with the elegant adults wheeling and swirling overhead.
They are the most adept of fliers. They will often ‘patrol’ the coastline and fly without a single flap of their wings.
They have effortless beauty. ‘Bad mouth’ doesn’t come anywhere near describing them.
More Mallimacks
Mallimack in Sea PinksA garden of Sea Pinks makes every bird photograph look better. This incubating Fulmar has the perfect vantage point, surrounded… read more
Mallimack surpriseThe Fulmars on Westray are littering the coast with their ungainly earthly forms, as well as flying effortlessly along the… read more
A Scootie Allan attacking a MallimackA Scootie Allan attacking a Mallimack. An Arctic Skua attacking a Fulmar. A Stercorarius parasiticus attacking a Fulmarus glacialis. Dramatic, isn't… read more
Mallimack lifeFulmars are my favourite birds to watch flying. They have an effortless confidence on the wind, and glide with stiff… read more
One dramatic eveningIt's a dramatic evening, already quite dark, yet this Fulmar is still flying. The sun is lighting up the high… read more
MallimacksWe're aboard the Ailsa Jane and I'm taking advantage of the creel boat having a very low side where the… read more
Alternative nesting sitesOn the cliffs of Westray are two Fulmar resting places. They're both in the north-end of the island. One is… read more