Auks
Almost all the guillemot, puffin and razorbill photos were taken on the Farne Islands. Not because that's the only place I've seen auks, just that it's by far the best I've witnessed. Everyone should go to the Farnes in May or June once in their lifetime. It's an amazing experience.
Taken near Coquet Island
Black Guillemot - Charming seabird this one. Quite different to the Common Guillemot in breeding habit. They are far fewer in number and tend to nest and fish independently of each other. They also tend to nest low down on the cliffs. Although black and usually solitary they're easy to spot on the water with that large, pure white wedge on their sides. Very easy to spot. Their legs and inner mouths are bright red.
Taken on Shetland in June where they are reasonably numerous.
Guillemot - Surely our most numerous seabird. Talk about gregarious. They densely pack some of our largest seabird breeding colonies. Most notably for me in Shetland, Farne, Bempton and South Stack, where they cram onto ledges on sea cliffs. They look very different out of the breeding season - last photo.
Bridled form - see white ring around eye. Rare form but if you look closely there is usually a few in the crowd.
Guillemots in Winter plumage. Off Flamborough Head. September.
Puffin - Needs no introduction from me. How lucky we are that these guys choose to breed on our coasts. They are stunning in breeding trim and so unique. Incredibly approachable too.
Razorbill - Similar to the Guillemot but slightly stouter, black backed instead of dark brown and with that distinctive, broad, patterned bill. Less numerous than guillemot too.
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These images were all taken at RSPB Bempton Cliffs in Yorks where you can get very close in places.
