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
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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