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
Fulmar chick Fulmars only lay one egg. That's not a surprise when you see the size of the egg compared with the… read more
The beauty of Mallimacks Fulmars have a strange reputation. Being able to spit foul-smelling fishy oil accurately from quite a distance is clearly something… read more
Chattering Chattering Fulmars are the best. They raise their chins, open their mouths wide, shake their heads and wave their heads… read more
Mallimack in Sea Pinks A garden of Sea Pinks makes every bird photograph look better. This incubating Fulmar has the perfect vantage point, surrounded… read more
Touching waves with wing-tips I love to walk along the Sands o' Maesan, climb the rocks at the end of the beach, and make… read more
Mallimack surprise The 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 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
Mallimack life Fulmars are my favourite birds to watch flying. They have an effortless confidence on the wind, and glide with stiff… read more
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