On 9th June 2007, we made our first ever visit to Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire, Wales, to see the puffins. Our trip was timed to coincide with when the Puffins are most active (the feeding of the young chicks).

The Puffins on Skomer are totally unafraid of Humans. They will stand proudly outside their burrows, or on the cliff edge, within several feet of people. They almost seem to be posing as they stand bolt upright and motionless. At one place on the Island (The Wick) the coastal path cuts though a colony and Puffins will cross the path with total disredard for the waiting Paparazzi.

My target shot was the 'cliche' image of a Puffin with a beak full of Sand Eels, however I soon found this was easier said than done. Any inbound Puffin has to run the gauntlet of waiting Gulls which means that they tend to crash land, then tumble straight down their burrow. They certainy dont stand around posing for pictures. I got a couple of shots but they lack they definately 'lack something'.

View Location on Microsoft Virtual Earth: Skomer Island

Most people who go to Skomer at this time of year, go just to see the Puffins so it can get busy and with a maximum 250 visitors a day it is important to get there early. I will go back, but probably not until next year. I can't wait!

http://www.dale-sailing.co.uk/dale_princess.html#skomer