Puffins, Japanese TV and Monk and chips

I’m very pleased that my friend Martin’s on the Island at the moment. He’s completing filming for a documentary on Puffins for Japanese TV. He has taken some incredible footage over two seasons and I can’t wait to see it and hear the strange juxtaposition of the Japanese commentary with his images.

He’s got beautiful footage of Pufflings peering out of their burrows and anxious parents forcing them back inside. It’s going to be classic. They’ll be moving images in more ways than one.

I’m spending a few days lying on the grass surrounded by Puffins. Puffins, as you know, are good for the soul.

They are lively, boisterous and inquisitive birds. However, I suspect that comedy rather than pathos may be their forte.

Doesn’t this one look seriously comedic amongst the Sea Mayweed?

Having said that, I wonder what it thinks of me?

Thanks to Martin for the photo. I think Puffins prefer bright colours rather than camouflage.

They spend a considerable time preening their feathers. There’s a lot of oiling and ‘zipping-up’ of their feathers to do.

They’re charming and curious company.

Today it’s my twice a week chance to get take-away fish and chips on the Island. I’m not going to miss it. I’m going to sit looking out at the bay the Vikings found so wonderful, Pierowall Bay, and eat Monkfish and chips from Jack’s Chippy. I may just have a beer to wash it down. Which one shall I choose?

Perfect.