Tufted Nest & Meal

The puffins nest on land in the summer. Puffin Island is just offshore of Kodiak near the town. It is not a large island but it has rocky cliffs and very few other inhabitants making it a great place to nest - thus the name of the island. The thick foliage hides many of the caves that the birds use for nests. When they come out of the nest, they provide a nice photo opportunity as seen in the first photo - a rather regal pose. The second photo shows the Tufted Puffin looking over the edge of the cliff trying to decide if he really wants to go to the cafeteria for a meal. He eventually flies off. The third photo shows a Tufted Puffin heading back to the island with a mouthful of needlefish - likely for his/her mate and/or a chick. Though the wings look like he is gliding, I assure you he is not! These birds have a glide path of a rock. They have to fly hard and fast to stay aloft. These photos are cropped pretty tight. We were not close to any of them!

Thanks,

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