Paired-up Puffins

Evie Easterbrook's Image

Evie longed to see puffins, so, when school broke up, she and her family took a two-day trip to witness the birds in their habitat. She set up her camera by the puffins’ burrows, noticing the adults returning with mouthfuls of sand eels for their young, and then decided to concentrate her observations on this pair with its vibrant breeding coloration.

Atlantic puffins form pairs for several years, sometimes even for life. During the breeding season, they have black ‘eyeliner’ and brightly coloured bills. Bill size and colour are major attractors to potential mates. Puffins worldwide are in decline: climate disruption has reduced the availability of sand eels – a staple of their diet.


Behind the lens

Evie Easterbrook

Evie Easterbrook

UK

As well as wildlife and photography, Evie's interests include sport and music. She usually takes her camera with her on family holidays and trips.

Image details

  • Sony DSC-HX400V
  • 24–210mm f2.8–6.3 lens
  • 1/250 sec at f5.6  •   ISO 80
  • Staple Island, England, UK
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