Magnificent Mallimacks
There are Fulmars, called Mallimacks here in Orkney, on the wing at the pier on Papa Westray
This one is flying a repetitive flight-path:
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.
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.
I love their flying boat outline:
And the pattern of grey feathers on their wings looks just like reptile scales:
More Mallimacks
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A Scootie Allan attacking a Mallimack A Scootie Allan attacking a Mallimack. An Arctic Skua attacking a Fulmar. A Stercorarius parasiticus attacking a Fulmarus glacialis. Dramatic, isn't… read more
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One dramatic evening It's a dramatic evening, already quite dark, yet this Fulmar is still flying. The sun is lighting up the high… read more
Mallimacks We'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 sites On the cliffs of Westray are two Fulmar resting places. They're both in the north-end of the island. One is… read more
A Fulmar at the skeleton house A Fulmar from summer, sitting pretty on the top of a wall in the skeleton house. Its beached carcass and… read more