The first and only time I saw Tufted Puffins I was so excited I grabbed the guy standing next to me (I am not so sure he was as completely enthralled as I was.) and started jumping up and down. I had seen Atlantic Puffins in Maine and Nova Scotia, of course; but the western puffins had eluded me. I think everyone on the boat was excited and for many of us it was a life bird. It is so distinctive looking–the bills, the tufts. It is right up there in the favorite bird category.
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Stumble It!
I’ve only seen them at such a distance that they were just a blob on my water in my binocs. Thankfully, another birder confirmed what I was seeing. I wanted to jump up and down and hug him but I resisted the urge. REALLY seeing them would probably elicit that response!
I would have jumped up and down with you too. I’ve never seen one, and would love to. They are so unique.
Puffins are great. When you are on a long voyage its nice to see the flocks of tufted puffins on the high seas which creates excitement and extra stimulation.
Lovely Birds – we missed them on our honeymoon
But I guess that’s just a good reason to head back to the Pacific Northwest!
Very cool, Bev! Only times I’ve ever seen any puffins have been in captivity, so that would be quite a life experience.
Very interesting bird and great photos.
Congratulations, Bev! Great photos, too!
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