Skomer

The big one for the week, a boat ride over to Skomer to see the Puffins. Turn up a bit before 9am to find the car park almost completely full, a queue snaking into the ticket office and loads of people. End up getting the 1130 boat over (very cramped with 50 people on a small boat). After the introduction by the warden we start snapping away.

Puffins flying around everywhere, walking around the grass watching us, and huge flocks out on the sea. Much smaller path than on Ramsey, it's a bit like being on a conveyer belt at times, this is necessary as there are so many nests in the ground. Sun shining far too bright again but there's nothing we can do about that.

This will be a Puffin-heavy post, in hindsight we should have headed back to the landing steps earlier, as there are lots of Guillemot and Razorbills nesting near the steps with very good views. We were photographing like crazy while rushing down to the boat.

Skomer route and ferry

Puffin

Puffin

Puffin

Puffin

Puffin

Puffins

Puffin

Puffin flapping

Puffin

Puffin with fish

Puffin with fish (strolling back from the shops)

Puffin with fish

Puffins nuzzling

Puffin with fish

Puffin

Puffin

Gulls are a constant menace to the Puffin and Manx Shearwater on the island. Stealing food from the Puffin and predating on the Shearwaters (hence they only come out at night). The gulls also nest on the island, making it sound like you're next to a rubbish dump all the time.

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Flying Puffins

The Dale Princess or "Sardine Tin"

Flying Puffin

Puffin

Razorbill

Guillemot

Guillemot

"P" for "Puffin"

Puffin disputes

Puffin with fish

Puffin

Razorbill

Puffin

Flying Puffin

Guillemot Colony

Puffin

Puffin

Pair of Puffin

Wildflowers all over the island

The wind picked up so the boat ride back was a little wobbly. Gill got soaked! We both had a good rest and our lunch (at about 4pm) back on solid ground.