Puffling in a flap

It’s rare to see a puffling, as young Puffins are called. They’re usually hidden in their rock or earth burrows, safe from predators, deep underground. Once they get a little older, however, they get inquisitive. They’re curious about the outside world and will peek out into the bright sunlight. Occasionally I’ve seen a glimpse of a dark beak and perhaps a gleaming eye. The parent Puffins discourage their youngsters from coming out and will sit facing into the burrow to guard it.

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

Just once a month I might catch a better view. Here’s a puffling which came out of its rock burrow and gave its wings a good stretch, perched on a cliff ledge. It was such a treat to see it shuffle out, unfurl its wings, have a good flap, fold its wings back in again and then shuffle back into the gloom.

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

It was nearly time for it to hurl itself off the cliff before dawn for a life on the ocean wave. We wish it well.

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