How good does it feel to release a puffin back into the wild? The smile on Jo Allen's face probably gives you some idea.
The box in the photo (henceforth known as a Puffin not Pet Carrier) contains a puffling that was brought to the reserve yesterday after being found in a garden in the nearby village of Buckton. Membership Development Officer Jo Allen was first to meet him and so he was named 'Little Jo'.
The fantastic team at Wildlife Rescue in Scarborough cared for him overnight keeping him warm and feeding him mealworms.
Once young puffins fledge, they are completely independent and head straight out to sea. Jim Ward, of Wildlife Rescue, suggested this one may have become disorientated and flown inland or maybe panicked because he was under threat - pufflings made ideal snacks for peregrines.
But as Little Jo appeared no worse for his adventure, it was back to the cliffs to be reunited with Big Jo as soon as possible.
The official 'send off' brought lots of the team down to the viewing platform. Natalie, part of the Membership Development Team along with Residential Volunteer Chris didn't want to miss saying goodbye.
Education Officer, Steve Race, was on hand to advise on just how best to release him. Onto the grass or into the air was at the heart of the debate but the air won out in the end.
By now Little Jo was itching to be off so there was just time to wish him 'Good luck and fair weather' before letting go and seeing what happened. Fortunately, he did what comes naturally and headed out to sea where he will stay until he matures.
So long Little Jo, see you around.