It's that Puffin time of year again

Atlantic Puffin (Russell F Spencer)

Being an urban birder invariably means that I don't get to see Puffins unless I go to where they are hanging out. This is the classic time of year to visit the colonies dotted up and down the country to marvel at their very interesting look. Whirring wings, big bright bill and melancholic eye make-up.

I've been lucky to have visited several colonies this year on Alderney and in Iceland so I feel very lucky to have had so many encounters with this amazing bird already.

If you haven't already, get yourself out to a breeding colony before the season's over.