Mallimack life
Fulmars are my favourite birds to watch flying. They have an effortless confidence on the wind, and glide with stiff wings as if every moment is a thrill to their senses. On land it’s a different story.
Fulmar nests are often not much more than a scrape, with a platform of rock chippings or a depression in the grass. They’re careful to have a windbreak behind them, which also reduces the angles from which they can be attacked.
As I climb down the cliffs, I make sure I keep my distance to avoid stressing them. I’m moving slowly and they soon become used to me being there. Have you seen how cute the little chick looks?
It’s interesting how large its beak is. The rest of the bird has some growing to do to catch up with that.
One extraordinary feature of Fulmars in the sheer size of their single egg.
It’s painfully big. The pair have to sit on it and keep it warm for 53 days. It’s worth it when you see what hatches:
This moment, when the other parent came back to the nest to take over chick-sitting duties, is my favourite of my time with them.
I wish them luck.
More Fulmars
Feeding Fulmar It's rare that I get close photographs of Fulmars eating. They're normally well offshore when I see them feasting on… read more
An evening amongst the Sea Mayweed The end of a long summer day on Westray. I love the low evening sunlight at the Castle o' Burrian.… read more
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