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Puffins, the Parrot of the Sea

It is August on the coast of Iceland, and the air is filled with the deep garbled growls of hundreds of puffins. The social birds have come to shore for the short breeding season, and the rocky banks are dotted with their squat, football-shaped bodies. From the ocean bursts a shiny five-year-old male carrying a dozen small herring in his beak. Flapping his wings mightily, he rises from the waves to the rocky cliffs where a hungry chick waits silently in a burrow hidden in the rocks. The puffin circles the sky above the burrow several times, looking out for herring gulls, which sometimes wait ashore to steal a puffin's catch. But the coast is clear and the puffin swoops down, entering the dark burrow with a flurry. Instantly the chick springs to life, demanding its meal with tiny squeals. Downy gray and plump, with a sliver of a beak, the chick hardly resembles its striking black and white father. Large and colorful beaks, which will fall off after the season is over, have given these arctic birds their nicknames-the sea parrot.

It was once questioned whether the pelagic puffin was a cross between a bird and a fish. Awkward and clumsy-looking on land, it certainly appears more adept in the sea, where its short wings effectively propel it through the water after small herring and sand eels. Its webbed feet function as a rudder, allowing the bird to maneuver sharp turns. Puffins can fly, and will actually beat their wings 100-400 beats per minute to become airborne. But because of the effort required to take flight, puffins will nest on cliffs where they more easily swoop down into the ocean. Puffins fly low to the water, and can reach speeds up to 55 miles per hour.

A puffin's diet comes from the icy depths of the ocean, and an average dive can last twenty or thirty seconds, or more. With their specialized beaks, puffins are able to hold several fish at a time. Their raspy tongues hold fish against spines on their palate while they open their beak for more. An average catch would be 10-12 fish, but one puffin reportedly brought 62 fish in its beak at one time! Waterproof feathers provide protection from the chill of even the coldest waters in the arctic region. Even its coloration lends to its survival in the sea. The puffin's dark coloring on its back make it difficult for predators to distinguish it from the dark waves as it floats on the ocean, while from below its white underside masks it from ocean enemies. This deceptive coloring is called counter shading.

Around the world it is estimated that 12-15 million puffins exist as three species: The horned puffin, named for its horny projections above its eyes; the tufted puffin, which has conspicuous straw-colored feathers extending from its crown during mating season; and the Atlantic puffin, the only puffin to live on the Atlantic Ocean, which has a steel-blue triangle at the base of its beak. In the 1800s over-hunting obliterated a native population in Maine, which has since been restored. They are not presently threatened. Puffin colonies are found breeding off the coasts of Alaska, Canada, North America, and North Asia; although Iceland is the breeding quarters of the largest population of puffins. Coastlines are filled with thousands of breeding pairs during the summer months. Puffins are monogamous, and while companions may part for the winter, which they spend out on the open sea, they usually return to the same partner, and even the same nest.

The rigorous mating ritual begins while the pair is still at sea. Breeding pairs engage in billing each other, skypointing (flying straight up), and strutting. By the time birds reach the shore, partnerships are well-established. The male digs the burrow using his beak to cut into the soil and his feet to shovel the rocks and other loose material away. Ideally, the burrow will be 2-3 feet long and protected from predators by rocks. Here the female lays one egg per year. Together, the pair incubates the egg, each taking a turn holding it under one wing and pressing it against its body. Cooperating in this way, both birds are able to leave the nest to feed.

When the egg hatches 40-53 days later, the parents continue to share responsibility for the chick. Feeding occurs four to five times a day, and after the first day of life the chick can be left alone in the burrow to wait for its next meal. The chick remains in the burrow about 40-55 days, whereupon it waits until evening before independently approaching the opening of the burrow for the first time. The fledgling sets out to sea on its own, where it will live for the next two years. Puffins reach sexual maturity at 3 years old, but will not generally return to their nesting grounds to mate until 4-5 years old. Puffins live long lives of 20 years or more.

Historically humans have used the puffin for meat and clothing (its skin is waterproof and warm when worn with the feathers turned inside), but hunting is generally discouraged today. In some countries it is forbidden by law. Meanwhile, man has come to value puffins as indicators of ocean health. By observing the condition of the puffin population, scientists determine whether over-fishing or harmful pollution is taking place. Oil spills threaten puffins by de-waterproofing their feathers, making them vulnerable to cold temperatures. Another negative impact on puffin colonies has been the unintentional introduction of rats and foxes to summer nesting areas.

Author: Emma Snow. Emma Snow has always adored wild animals. Emma provides content for Wildlife Animals http://www.wildlife-animals.com and Riding Stable http://www.riding-stable.com

Whale Watching In Canada Now

For more than two decades, The Whale Centre located in Tofino, British Columbia has untaken whale study, accept study, bird scrutiny and hot springs tours in Clayoquot Sound to the eco-minded traveler. Our eco adventure tours merge a culture atmosphere with the excitement of special encounters with birds in their ordinary locale. Our open and experienced force is committed to provide you with the exceptional birds experience and greater understanding of the limited environment.

What sets us apart from other outfitters is our pole. We are normally locals that have adult up and tired our lives in Clayoquot Sound as well as our wisdom to educate you while ensuring a secure viewing of the oceanic mammals and plants you will meet and we dear. Whale Watching-Tofino-Bear Watching-British Columbia-Clayoquot Sound For more than two decades, The Whale Centre located in Tofino, British Columbia has offered whale watching, abide watching, bird watching and hot springs tours in Clayoquot Sound.

Cruise through the spectacular waters of Clayoquot Sound on our 24' Boston Whaler in search of whales as they journey northward during their yearly migration. Visit their feeding proof and get a glimpse of the in action.

Killer, Humpback and Gray Whales, Orcas, Sea Lions, Dall's Porpoise, Sea Otters, and Eagles are some of the animals you will be on the sentry for on our 2-1/2 hour character cruise. Don't forget your camera and don't forget to dress inviting!

Bear Watching West Coast Black Bears rove the shorelines at low tides pointed for crabs, shellfish, barnacles and fish to banquet on. These generally nocturnal carnivores wander a great shyness through dense shrub and forested mountains throughout most of B.C. The black bears fritter the summer feasting and putting on a great furnish of fat so they can find a cushy place to hibernate for the iciness. Our confined skippers will take you out in our 24' Boston Whaler to position these grandiose animals in their real territory.

Bird Watching Clayoquot Sound intercepts thousands of birds on their drifting journeys north and south. Its sandy shore, vertical cliffs, offshore islands, sanctuaries and forests proposal attractive sites for bird populations. Our tour begins with a stay to an active Bald Eagle's nest in the cherish. Whether we explore cushy inlets or Cleland Island's ecological reserve you will scrutiny Auklets, Murrelets, Puffins, Murres, Guillemonts, Oystercatchers, Harlwquins, Herons, Gulls, Ducks and much more plants on the features tour.

Fishing Clayoquot Sound is one of the chief saltwater flyfishing and bucktailing locations in the world.Tofino is a world-popular fishing destination. Divers, surfers and shoreline-lovers voyage from the far reaches of the sphere to experience our breathtaking scenery and our restful west coast hospitality, but for many, salmon fishing offers the most exhilarating experience Clayoquot Sound has to submit.

About the Author

To learn about killer whale facts and whale weight, visit the Whale Facts website.

In Alaska there is a lot of great sightseeing to be had. Unfortunately much of it must be done by water or air. In this article I will help outline the top destinations for day cruising in Alaska as well as what you can expect on your journey.

When you are going to be on a day cruise it is important to remember to make plans for accommodations after your cruise is over. Each of these destinations does offer many wonderful accommodations options from Hotels to the stylish bed and breakfast. It is however important to make reservations ahead of time because during the peak season accommodations can be difficult to find.

The peak cruising season for each of these destinations is May through August. In May and June you can expect a good chance for the sun to be out. In July it will be on and off again type weather and in August there is a good chance you will find the rain. None the less, whether it is sunny or overcast a day cruise in Alaska is still a lot of fun.

Popular Alaska day cruise destinations:

Whittier - Whittier is a small town close to Anchorage that is now accessible by car or train. Through Whittier you will have access to all the beauty that can be found throughout the Prince William Sound. It is a well protected port with many amazing Glaciers nearby. There are several day cruise options out of this port and even a ferry that will take you all the way to Valdez if you like.

Valdez - From Anchorage you can reach Valdez by air, car or the ferry out of Whittier. Valdez also offers access to the amazing Prince William Sound with its crystal clear waters. Out of Valdez you are likely to see Glaciers, whales, puffin otters and more. Being one of the furthest ports from Anchorage can be a drawback of this day cruise destination but the beauties of the scenery will more than make up for it.

Seward - Seward is probably the most popular cruising port in Alaska. The large cruise ships will dock here because of the easy access. From Anchorage you can access Seward by car, tour bus or train. There are many Alaska day cruise options here including stop on private islands such as Fox Island. You will have the chance to see otters, sea lions, puffins, orcas and humpback whales. At this popular Alaska port there is never a dull moment.

Homer - Homer is known mainly as a fishing port however, there are still some day cruise options here. Homer can be accessed from Anchorage by car or air. There is a water taxi that will take you from Homer to the secluded town of Seldovia. There are private boats for hire that will allow you access into Tutka Bay and other secluded area nearby. Out of Homer you can expect to see many sea otters, puffin, humpback whales, beluga whales and even the occasional pilot whale.

One thing you will find that all of these great day cruise destinations have in common is the amazing experience to be had by all who participate. You will see sea life, most likely a glacier or two, possibly some orca or humpback whales but for sure everyone will witness the amazing landscapes and scenery Alaska has to offer. A day cruise in Alaska will definitely be an experience to remember.

Ryan T. has compiled a comprehensive Alaska Travel Guide [http://www.onlyalaska.com/pages/index.html] and Alaska Photo Gallery [http://www.onlyalaska.com/photo/index.php] which he credits to his many years in Alaska . Learn everything you need to know and expect from your Alaska Travel [http://www.onlyalaska.com] before you begin your travel.