Auks
Almost all the guillemot, puffin and razorbill photos were taken on the Farne Islands. Not because that's the only place I've seen auks, just that it's by far the best location I've experienced. Everyone should go to the Farnes in May or June once in their lifetime. It's an amazing experience.
Taken near Coquet Island
Black Guillemot - A charming little seabird. One of my favourites. Having all black plumage, except for an obvious large white spot on their wings, they can't really be mistaken. Even at long distance out at sea. Quite different to the Common Guillemot in behaviour too. They don't nest in large colonies high-up on cliff ledges, but individually in holes low down. A handful of UK harbours, on the west side of the country, provide perfect habitat for them. Most well known is perhaps Oban harbour, where they nest in the harbour walls. These photos were all taken there. Shetlands is also a good place to see them. Their other distinctive features are striking bright red legs and mouths.
Guillemot - Surely our most numerous seabird. Talk about gregarious. They densely pack some of our largest seabird breeding colonies. Most notably for me in Shetland, Farne, Bempton and South Stack, where they cram onto ledges on sea cliffs. They look very different out of the breeding season - last photo.
Bridled form - see white ring around eye. Rare form but if you look closely there is usually a few in the crowd.
Guillemots in Winter plumage. Off Flamborough Head. September.
Puffin - Needs no introduction from me. How lucky we are that these guys choose to breed on our coasts. They are stunning in breeding trim and so unique. Incredibly approachable too.
Razorbill - Similar to the Guillemot but slightly stouter, black backed instead of dark brown and with that distinctive, broad, patterned bill. Less numerous than guillemot too.
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These images were all taken at RSPB Bempton Cliffs in Yorks where you can get very close in places.
