Scotland’s wildlife is amazing, but it's in crisis. We want to see greater protection for all nature and greater commitment to action on species recovery specifically, including for some of Scotland’s most iconic wildlife. In today’s blog Ally Leonard, Warden, and Catherine Kelham, Senior Marine Conservation Planner tell us why they’ve picked Puffins as their favourite Scottish species.
Why are Puffins important to Scotland?
AL - They are a vital part of our seabird colonies.
CK - They are important everywhere! The UK is host to around 10% of the worldwide Puffin population, with Scotland home to around 85% of those. They are also found in Newfoundland, Canada and the south Mediterranean around Italy.
Tell us about a time you saw a Puffin in real life/up close?
AL - I am in a really privileged position that I get to see Puffins, and other seabirds, up close each year as part of my work but it is still incredibly exciting to see the first Puffin in the Forth each spring.
CK - I visited the Farne Islands in Northumberland one summer at uni. I’ve never seen so many Puffins and spent ages trying to get a photo of one coming into land as they look so funny – almost landing on their tails with bright orange legs sticking out in front. They then walk off as if there was nothing to see. They aren’t especially aerodynamic but can swim very well.
Where do Puffins usually live?
AL - Puffins actually spend most of the year out at sea but when they come to land in the spring then you can find them in burrows in places like RSPB Scotland's Fidra.
CK - On the ground in burrows, which can be a problem as in some places you get invasive rats which like eggs and pufflings (that’s a Puffin chick). Also the invasive plant Tree Mallow likes the fertile soil around a Puffin burrow and can block the access
What do Puffins need to survive/thrive?
AL - Suitable habitat which is protected from invasive non native species and mammalian predators as well as a good food supply in close proximity to their nesting areas.
CK - Lots of sandeels! And a safe place to breed.
Puffin with sandeels. Stan de Prato.
What’s a fun/surprising fact about Puffins?
AL - Puffins have incredibly sharp claws on their feet which they use to dig out their burrows.
CK - They look cute but are actually highly adapted sandeel harvesting machines with special hooks inside their beaks to keep the sandeels in. Another fun fact is that in German they are called 'Papageitaucher' which means parrot diver.
Can you tell us a short personal story about Puffins?
AL - As part of my work, I monitor Puffin numbers on the Forth islands and to do that we have to put our hands into the Puffins burrows. Most will simply move out of the way or turn their back but there are a few feisty Puffins who let you know they are home by giving you a nip, some harder than others so all of the people monitoring the Puffins have little scars on the backs of our hands.
Learn more about our #SaveScotSpecies campaign here, and pick your favourite species here. Don’t forget to send our digital postcard to your MSPs asking them to make species recovery a priority.
Main image: A Puffin on a grassy clifftop. Catherine Kelham