Puffins return to Herm

Sunday 25 March 2018

Local bird enthusiasts have started to see the first puffins return to the back of Herm where they will breed for the season.

The much admired birds have been wintering way out in the Atlantic but their arrival is an encouraging sign that Spring is on its way to the Bailiwick.

Puffins are a species of auk and are instantly recognisable with their black and white stocky build and their brightly coloured beaks. They are pelagic seabirds, which means they feed primarily by diving in the water.

More birds will start to join the colony in Herm and they will then breed by nesting in crevices among rocks or in burrows in the soil. Puffins form long-term pair bonds and relationships, the female lays a single egg, and both parents incubate the egg and feed the chick or 'puffling'.

Local birdwatcher, Wayne Turner captured some photos of the first returning birds. He said: "We spotted ten individual birds on Wednesday and they were all paired up which is encouraging for the breeding season ahead."

Mr Turner said: "it is always exciting to see birds returning and a sure sign that spring is on its way."

Pictured: One of the returning puffins; picture courtesy of Wayne Turner

The puffins will remain in Herm waters for the season and will make their way back out to the Atlantic in July.

Pictured main image: Two of the returning puffins; picture courtesy of Wayne Turner