I love puffins
Thursday, July 25, 2013 When I was little, I had a children's book that became very dear to me. It was a book about puffins. My parents bought it for my brother in Alaska before I was born. I had however never been to Alaska, nor seen a puffin, so they occupied the mythical creature category in my young brain. Right in there with unicorns and reindeer. (Don't get me started on reindeer.)
The first time I ever saw a real puffin was off the coast of Oregon when I was 24. I sat entranced on the beach like a crazy person, refusing to leave or let anyone take away my binoculars. The puffins, they are so silly in the air! They're not graceful at all, and they are easy to spot with their bright orange feet.
My husband and I went on a trip to visit family in France last month. My French is okay but my brain hurt from all the straining to understand. We were spoiled rotten by Alex's Aunt, cooking for us and even insisting on doing our laundry! (More on French food culture and eating habits later.)
On the way to France we had a layover in Iceland, and instead of just doing a regular short stop we decided to spend three days there. Well it turns out that 60% of the world's puffins are in Iceland! And June is nesting season! And there's this place where the birds are so protected that they're not afraid of humans! And you can get really super close to them!!! Okay BREATHE.
We were there less than a week after the summer solstice, which in Iceland means 20 hours of sunlight and 4 hours of dusk/dawn. The time we spent photographing was between 10 pm and midnight, although it's hard to believe it by looking at the images.
It was AMAZING. The puffins, I can't even describe how cute they are. But I can show you! All these photos were taken at the Látrabjarg bird cliffs, Wesfjords, Iceland. The outfit I'm wearing was kindly lent to me by Iceland Camping Equiptment Rental after our luggage was temporarily lost in Canada.
Enhance!
This is proof that even the most beautiful among us can take a bad picture.
Guest House Bredavik, where we stayed, about 30 minutes from the Látrabjarg bird cliffs. This place is only operational during the time of year when puffins are around, May-August.
This is by far the most remote location that I've ever been to. Iceland was like another planet. We drove for four hours without seeing another car on the road. At one point we were concerned that the road was going to end, even though the map listed that route as the main highway. Plus we almost ran out of gas in the middle of nowhere due to the stations being closed in the early morning. When we finally got filled up, I may or may not have hugged the station attendant. (Okay, fine, I did it. I hugged her.) But it was all worth it for this unreal puffin extravaganza! What an adventure.
Reader Comments (5)
I love them so much! Thanks for sharing. I could look at them for hours too :-)
This looks so awesome!! I'm glad you had an awesome time :-) Also, you should make me a print of the circular "Enhanced!" puffin. Cutest thing ever!
Wow Diana! Those are beautiful! What an amazing adventure vacation. You are quite the photographer. I can see why you love those birds so much. Their color and expression due to their markings are so sweet! Glad you were able to fill up at a gas station to continue your amazing journey to that gorgeous place in Iceland! I have only landed there but I would love to go back and spend time.
So adorable! I love the way you captured them wiggling around and puffing up. I can't imagine what it was like for you to see them in person. Thanks for sharing!
Very good series. I hope someday go to Iceland and go to the same place. I have seen several other people's photos from there. The following URL is for a study off the coast Maine. http://explore.org/#!/live-cams/player/puffin-loafing-ledge-cam