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p.1 #1 · It ain't easy being a puffin (Graphic Images)
I just recently returned from a trip to Newfoundland, Canada where I spent as much time as possible photographing the sea birds, especially the puffins. Puffins nest on rocks that are not connected to the mainland, in burrows deep under the surface. When they have their young the adults fly out to the ocean and return with beaks full of fish. In all the puffin colonies my wife and I found we saw a few gulls hanging around trying for a quick meal, but the puffin colony at Elliston for some reason was overrun with gulls. Over the 4 days we spent photographing those puffins we saw some vicious and very graphic attacks by the gulls attempting to relieve the puffins of their catch. They were almost always successful.
To make matters even worse, if the chick in the burrow happened to come a little too close to the surface, the gulls were more than happy to grab them as well.
After 30 mins of unsuccessfully trying to eat this young puffin a black-backed gull (much larger) took notice and relieved the herring gull of his prize.
It's not all bad however. We noticed a few smart puffins had adapted what we called the "ninja feeding" plan -- they would land on the very edge of the rock far away from the gulls. If the gulls didn't notice them they would wait with their catch for a while and then sneak ever so slowly towards their burrow. The gulls only scanned for puffins in the air returning with their catch, so often the puffins on the ground could walk very close to the gulls without notice. Then a quick burst of speed at the end and they were in their burrows successfully.
Thanks for looking. Next time you have a hard day keep in mind at least you're not a puffin!
p.1 #2 · It ain't easy being a puffin (Graphic Images)
Harry, this is a top-notch action set of the wildlife. You did so well to capture the cruel of the wild. I feel bad for the puffins being bullied by the gull. Puffin is such an adorable bird and hard worker too.
p.1 #13 · It ain't easy being a puffin (Graphic Images)
While I understand the harsh realities of nature, these are tough to view. That is a testament to your abilities as a photographer. Your captured this behavioral series exceptionally well . Excellent shots. Poor little puffins
p.1 #16 · It ain't easy being a puffin (Graphic Images)
I never realized how small the Puffins are so I can appreciate the great photos I see here all the more. Excellent series documenting the harsh environment these little guys endure. I thoroughly enjoyed these although they are difficult to see on one level. Great shooting.
~ Ron