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
One dramatic evening It's a dramatic evening, already quite dark, yet this Fulmar is still flying. The sun is lighting up the high… read more
Mallimacks We're aboard the Ailsa Jane and I'm taking advantage of the creel boat having a very low side where the… read more
Alternative nesting sites On the cliffs of Westray are two Fulmar resting places. They're both in the north-end of the island. One is… read more
A Fulmar at the skeleton house A Fulmar from summer, sitting pretty on the top of a wall in the skeleton house. Its beached carcass and… read more
If ever I could fly Of all the birds of the sea, the greatest fliers are the Fulmars: There is no bird so alive to… read more
2019 highlights of a wilder Orkney life The turning of the year is always a great time for reflection. Celebrating the darkest day with the thought that… read more