The UK’s coasts have many stretches of sheer cliffs where seabirds breed and the guillemot is one of the most numerous birds in the great ‘seabird cities’. It comes to land only to nest, spending the rest of its life at sea, where it is vulnerable to oil spills. Dark brown and white, not as black as the similar razorbill, it has a ‘bridled’ form with a white ring round the eye and stripe behind it.
-RSPB -Guillemot Facts
When I spotted this little fellow on a cliff edge on the Isle of May, I thought I’d found a new bird species! Or a bird wearing white-framed sunglasses:
He was sharing his ledge with (from left to right) a Kittiwake, two Razorbills and a (“normal”) Guillemot:
I’ve only ever seen one Bridled Guillemot. I’m so glad that I managed to get a photograph of it. His little face still makes me smile.
This post was prompted by Lisa’s Weekly Bird Challenge: Birds Beginning with “B”. Why not fly over to her site to see lots more from birdwatchers around the world.
13 Comments
susurrus · 11 December 2020 at 21:59
Her face is the epitome of wide eyed.
Lisa Coleman · 10 December 2020 at 21:34
OMG! That is spectacular! What a bird!!! Love those eyes! I really got to go to the Isle of May. Saving up my miles so when covid is gone, we can go somewhere. 🙂
Helen Bushe · 10 December 2020 at 21:37
I can tell you share my enthusiasm! Your weekly bird challenge is great for me as I’m reliving my birdwatching memories.
Lisa Coleman · 10 December 2020 at 21:53
That is a bonus! It sure got photos out of my long dead archives! I enjoy the challenge too because I wouldn’t know about 1/2 the birds I see from others if I wasn’t doing it. Keep em’ coming! 🙂
Helen Bushe · 10 December 2020 at 21:58
Thank goodness for digital archives !
Lisa Coleman · 12 December 2020 at 00:03
You got that right. I have so much on film that I need to get digitized.
V.J. Knutson · 10 December 2020 at 20:36
Spectacular!
Helen Bushe · 10 December 2020 at 20:39
Thank you. I think he’s quite spectacular too….in an idiosyncratic way.
V.J. Knutson · 10 December 2020 at 20:43
Welcome!
litadoolan · 10 December 2020 at 20:16
Stunning image
Helen Bushe · 10 December 2020 at 20:17
Thank you so much. I’m glad you think so.
whippetwisdom · 10 December 2020 at 20:10
A gorgeous photograph Helen and what a treat to see this lovely bird!
Helen Bushe · 10 December 2020 at 20:18
Some birds have such “character” in their faces. It was so exciting to see one of these.