“Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” ....Oscar Wilde

Sunday 4 June 2017

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
 Related image

50 comments:

  1. Such wonderful captures of the puffins, my children would love to visit here #MySundayPhoto

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    1. It's a fantastic bird sanctuary Sarah, although depending on the children's age, it might be a little scary because there's no rail... it's just an incredible drop!

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    1. Thanks Debra... I think they could be better if only I'd checked my settings. Still a learning curve with this camera.

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  3. I agree we cannot let the evil others do control our everyday lives including sharing joy. Your photos gave me great joy today. I'd love to see puffins in person.

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    1. I'm happy to hear that you enjoyed seeing my photo's Carol.
      It's a great bird sanctuary and we are so lucky to have it on our doorstep!

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  4. Wonderful collection of photos, my girls would love to see them

    Thank you for linking up

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    1. I think it's a fantastic place to visit, but have to admit I'd be a little nervous with children visiting. It's quite a drop!

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  5. I'm so glad you did post. I agree that life has to go on and I'll be back at work tomorrow at London Bridge just like normal albeit with a slightly heavier heart. Beautiful puffin pictures, they're so cute! X #MySundayPhoto

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    1. I hope your journey into work wasn't too harrowing Lins.
      I'm glad that you liked seeing the Puffin's. I think they're pretty special and so cute too!

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  6. Puffins are beautiful and the coastline looks so like here, funny to think we are actually opposite ends of the country.

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    1. I often think about the distance between us...and mainly the temperature! It was a fantastic day weather wise. I've been on those cliff tops when it's been blowing a hoolie and raining. I much prefer this kind of weather...especially when you're walking along a steep cliff edge!

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  7. Glad you posted today, lovely photos.

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    1. Thanks Christine, I'm glad you like them

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  8. That last photo is just so beautiful! What a wonderful place to visit. I would love to see puffins in the wild! :) #mysundayphoto

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    1. I know we are incredibly lucky to have all of this nature on our doorstep, so I like to appreciate it as much as possible. It's good to share for those that can't get to visit such places.

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  9. Puffins are my favourite birds. They are on my bucket/wish list to go and see. You are so lucky! I would have been too excited to check settings too. I'm glad you posted it today. #MySundayPhoto

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    1. Oh I know I'm lucky Cheryl to have all this magnificent nature on my doorstep. Last year I only saw three Puffin's from a great distance and was worried about their declining numbers. So this year when I visited I was thrilled to see five and obviously their partners would have been on their nests...so that was encouraging.
      They are such cute funny birds and this particular one was constantly dancing around. Very special...my own little Springwatch moment!

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  10. Lovely that you posted Neesie.
    Wow, fantastic shots and, yes, how do they find each other once more amongst all the noise... amazing!
    I applaud your dedication to getting these photos by leaning over the cliff edge - thanks so much, to see all these gorgeous goings on from the comfort of my little chair back here is a real thrill :D)

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    1. It was all worth it Sue...dangling intrepidly from the cliff edge now that I hear how much you enjoyed seeing the nesting birds. I certainly loved it once I was away from the edge! It's quite a sheer cliff face and the drop is straight down into the North Sea!

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  11. Oh my wow! I'm so glad you shared your pics today! These are wonderful. How cool to live so close to such a spectacular area. What kind of birds are those that are so crowded onto that cliff?! Loved the puffin! He's so regal and knows it. And the last artsy shot...love it! But please be careful Nessie. We don't want you taking a tumble. Hugs

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    1. I'm so happy to hear your reaction to my photos Nan. I know that we are so lucky to have such wonderful wildlife around us, so I'm happy to share it whenever I can. The birds are a collection, but mainly on that particular photo guillemots and razorbills. The puffin looked like he was on his little stage and performing. Maybe a female wasn't on the nest and he was attempting to attract a Mrs P?

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  12. Your pictures are wonderful Denise and I enjoyed everyone of them!
    sandy xx

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    1. Thanks Sandy, I think they could have been better, but what can you do when you're excited!?!!
      I will try to return (not this week though...we're having fog and rain for most of the week) and try to be a little more professional and calm.

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  13. Never let them suck the love out of you! ;)

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    1. Never Rita, Manchester is very near my family home and they have been brilliant all pulling together. Great Northern spirit :D

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  14. very nice photos :) keep meaning to go see the Puffins, but cliff edges and clumsy me are prob a bad idea :p

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    1. The cliff edge is very precarious and not to be taken lightly...there's quite a drop into the chilly North Sea.
      We could always tie a rope around your waist just in case.

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    2. so I take a few people tumbling into the sea with me? :p

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    3. Haha...Well not exactly Jennifer, my hubby has 40 years of engineering experience and I'm sure he'd rig up something safe for all involved! ;D

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  15. If it required leaning over the edge of a cliff, I'd never have had the courage to capture your favorite shot. It is wonderful indeed, and thanks for daring to take it!

    Thanks also for linking up at https://image-in-ing.blogspot.com/2017/06/my-happy-place.html

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    1. Well yes there was definitely a leaning towards the cliff edge, but I wanted the shot and didn't really give it too much thought. Now reading everyone's reaction I'm beginning to feel maybe I wouldn't do quite so much leaning next time.

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  16. I think you are right that you shouldn't let that attack stop you from doing normal things. These are lovely shots and birds are just one of the prettiest subject ever! #mysundayphoto

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    1. I am becoming more and more aware that I truly love birds! I wasn't aware before my blogging days. I'm currently watching the birds on my feeder feeding their babies whilst the heavens open and it's pouring with rain. Best way to spend an hour in my opinion...other than painting them.

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  17. Oh, how I'd love to visit Scotland again! So very lovely!

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    1. There's so much to see here, but it sounds like you already know that Elizabeth. Perfect if you manage to be lucky with the weather :D

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  18. I am so pleased you did post this post!
    Your photo's are wonderful.

    All the best Jan

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    1. Thank you so much Jan, I'm happy to share them.
      Have a great week :D

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  19. Wow - amazing shots. I love them all - the last one is super. Glad you didn't fall off the cliff. My cousin lives near a Puffin nesting site on the Oregon coast - we've not been there during nesting season but says it is amazing to see all them on the cliffs. Great photos - thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thanks so much JoAnn for your lovely comment.
      We are so lucky to have the RSPB bird sanctuary so near and each time I visit there's always something new to see and appreciate.
      Have a great week.

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  20. All of the photos are beautiful, but the last one is the best for me. It was worth to lean over the cliff edge:-) Be very careful, please.

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    1. I think it's my favourite photo too Klara.
      I think I took the birds by surprise sneaking up on them and their nest. Pity that one piece of grass was in the way, but as it was I was leaning very precariously near the edge so had to be content with it being in the shot!

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  21. ...it must be a thrill to see Puffins in person, what wonderful little birds. Thanks for sharing these great sights.

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    1. I was thrilled and actually doing a little dance plus hyperventilating so it's no wonder that my photo isn't clear. I'd seen some Puffin's last year, but from quite a distance away, so this was thrilling for me. I'll have to return and be more professional!

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  22. So cool you were able to spot a puffin. We recently saw several on Iceland. Sending you hugs from this side of the world (California)!

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    1. Oh how brilliant Ruth, I've not been to Iceland (yet) but would love to visit. I'm so lucky to have them so near here.
      Thanks for the hugs from sunny California...I could do with them today as it's blowing a hoolie (as they say here) and rather chilly.
      Have a great week and thanks for stopping by my place :D

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  23. talk about crowded. On that steep cliff. Amazing actually :)

    Thanks for sharing your day :)

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    1. I can't imagine just how many nesting birds are along that stretch of coastline. It's staggering just to see so many all living so close to each other. I suppose there's safety in numbers...but we did see a gull snatch a baby chick which was a little too gruesome for my liking...but I suppose that's life!
      Everyone had chicks to feed.

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  24. I couldn't agree more, that is awesome that you got to see this!!

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    1. I'm very lucky Kristy and that's why I like to share the images with people that aren't so lucky :D

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