Magnificent Mallimacks

There are Fulmars, called Mallimacks here in Orkney, on the wing at the pier on Papa Westray

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

This one is flying a repetitive flight-path:

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

That makes it easier to photograph it as I’ve got multiple opportunities to compose the right shot, get it in focus and try out different settings.

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

I begin to wonder what it’s doing, but then realise; flying is what they do.

You can’t stay still in the air without expending a lot of energy, so circling around is the best thing to do if you don’t want to land. It’s a clear holding pattern. I think it has a youngster and maybe a partner below on the rocks.

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

I love their flying boat outline:

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

And the pattern of grey feathers on their wings looks just like reptile scales:

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

More Mallimacks

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