Bridled Common Guillemots

There are Common Guillemots, Uria aalge, flying in front of the cliffs at Noup Head on Westray. It’s a breezy day and the updraft as the wind hits the cliffs is propelling Guillemots past us at enormous speed.

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

They’re exceptionally tricky to photograph when they’re going like a rocket. It’s exhilarating to be amongst them, as well as slightly dizzying.

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

I’ve spotted that a few of them are bridled. They are the same species, but bridled Guillemots have curious white eye-markings. Here’s one now:

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

It gets closer:

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

And closer:

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

I’ve rarely had such a close view. I’m thrilled.

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