An Atlantic Puffin. These birds are in the Auk family with a stocky build and colourful beak in breeding season.
Nesting colonies can be seen offshore on the southern shore of the Avalon Peninsula, a short boat ride away. Often called "sea parrots" because of their coloured beaks, in Newfoundland they're sometimes called "sea potatoes" because of their chunky shape. Such effort these little birds put into flying, with wings beating up to 400 times per minute and able to reach speeds of 55 miles per hour. They swim underwater as well as they fly, but only for short submersion times of 20 or 30 seconds.
In December 2011, a baby puffin was found wandering on the streets of Montreal and flown by Air Canada back to Newfoundland for some TLC before being released.
6 comments:
They are such amazing looking birds. I always think they look slightly bemused :-)
Love your sketch. You've captured the Puffin perfectly.
Thanks Vandy. They are unique, almost not real and to see them in their natural habitat is wonderful.
I would love to read a whole book of your drawings and information about them. These are always a delight when you post! It's a great idea, and you put so much of yourself into each one.
One day I might get around to it Katherine. Lately I barely have time to breathe it seems :) Glad you enjoy them.
one of my favourite birds, but i haven't actually seen one in person. going to have to make a trip to one of the nature reserves in scotland, since there are a lot of breeding colonies in the spring
Mine too Jen, they're amazing to see in person. I hope you can visit a colony soon.
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