My Sunday Photo...RSPB Bird Santuary with Puffins

I have had difficulty deciding whether or not to post this Sunday morning, after last nights atrocious sad news from London, and initially I thought posting random photo's was a little frivolous...but with further thought this morning, I've decided not to let these mindless people have the last say. 

I'm thinking that we need to maintain our way of life as much as possible... 

...so here's My Sunday Photo.

This post is at the entrance to the clifftops where the RSPB Fowlsheugh Bird Sanctuary begins.

Thankfully, the weather was perfect for a walk along the cliff tops with my visitors.

It was good to show that Scotland does have blue sky and great weather (sometimes)

When the weather is like this, then it makes a perfect day.

There was even some warmth in that sun.

The little islands near the shoreline had sunbathing seals...which is the first time that I've seen them there. Last time we were lucky to see a pod of dolphins, but alas not this time.

Talk about high rise accommodation. 

Imagine hanging on to the cliff whilst incubating an egg or feeding a chick whilst hungry gulls etc are trying to grab them.

When the partner flies back from a feeding forage...how on earth does he find the right nest?

As you can imagine the noise is quite loud, but the smell louder! 

Phew...very pungent if the breeze is blowing in the wrong direction.

It is quite a drop and there are no rails to ensure you don't step too near to the edge.
Now then...let's try to spot a Puffin.
Erm...shout out if you see one.

THERE.... there.... can you see him...?
Well the puffin's nest is actually further up the cliff face on the bank, so it's a little easier.
Although their numbers have supposedly declined over the last few years, we saw 5 this time which is 2 more than the last time we visited last year.
I believe that some where possibly in their burrows... actually sitting on their nests.
I hope to go back soon to check on the 'pufflings' (isn't that a fantastic name for the baby chicks)
Unfortunately, after quite some time searching and taking lots of photo's that were slightly out of range for my lens...we came across this chap!
I got so excited that I snapped hundreds of shots whilst hyperventilating.
I also committed the ultimate photographers sin, by not checking the settings on my camera before shooting...hence that's why I'll have to return as these photo's are annoyingly blurred.
But at least you can see that it's a Puffin.
He was very busy strutting his stuff and dancing in front of the nest.

Maybe Mrs P was in active parturition and he was the nervous Dad waiting anxiously for news. 

You can see his nest just behind... on the right.

This is the same Puffin but this is the dance floor just below his nest where he can impress the ladies, with his moves.

I have masses of photo's to edit and check through, but I think I have found my favourite...this pair of Guillemots.

I should explain that I was actually leaning over the cliff edge at this point, as their nest just happened to be on a nearby ledge under the cliff.
I quite like the effect that the grasses have made.
They were constantly chatting to each other...possibly saying 'Oh here we go again...paparazzi. I told you this stop was too near the path'!

I think that'll do for today and as usual I'll link up with My Sunday Photo over at Photalife.com
 Image-in-ing.blogspot.co.uk
 Mersad's Photography through my lens
and 
Lifenreflection.com
Have a peaceful Sunday and hug the ones you love.
Sending prayers and positive vibes to anyone involved with the tragic events in London and Manchester