Petrels
Fulmar - A relative of the albatrosses. You can easily mistake a fulmar for a gull in a mixed flock of seabirds. However they are quite different, and true seabirds. Their bills are very different in construction. Tubenoses as they're called. Their tails are short and they fly, or more often soar, close to the water surface with stiffly outstretched wings. During the breeding season I've often watched them flying around in circles by the area of cliff they have nested in, for quire some time. I'm sure they do it just for pleasure. This is the species well known for spitting foul smelling oils at would-be attackers whilst nesting. They are surprisingly approachable though and not afraid of hanging around a boat if there's something potentially on offer.
Photo 1 - Bempton Cliffs, 2 - Flamborough Head, 3 - Scillies, 4 - RSPB South Stack in May
Storm Petrel (European) - Tiny for a seabird being not much larger than a house martin, which they resemble being almost black with a bold white rump. These are incredible little birds. Strong, fast fliers they can't half cover some ground (ok water) quickly. They often paddle lightly on the water when picking up bits of food from the surface. Amazing that such a little bird can survive out on the ocean in all weathers and live to an average of 11 years. They only come onto land to breed and then only under cover of darkness. They are so well adapted for life out at sea that they cannot walk. They can look rather pathetic on the ground if they misjudge their nest position as they fly in.
These pictures were taken off Scilly, where some breed. Aug 2020