Finding a Cooter-neb

The Razorbills along the Westray coast make a spectacular sight. Their dramatic Emo-Puffin plumage is glorious against the dark rocks.

The Orkney names for Razorbill seem to be Cooter-neb or Baukie.

Cooter-neb is an interesting one. Cooter appears to be the same as coulter, which has its origin with cutlery. It means knife or blade. Neb means nose. Cooter-neb means knife-nose. Or Razorbill.

A Baukie is a bat, which is presumably because of the way they fly, fold their wings and their dark brown/black colour.

It’s great to spend time with them.