Meet the ‘clown prince of birds’
Affectionately known as the ‘the clown Prince of Birds’ or ‘the sea parrot’ These birds are Royalty to birdwatchers. People flock to see them during the nesting season on the nearby island every year between mid-April and mid-July.
Where to see puffins in Cornwall – Puffin Island (The Mouls), Padstow
Here in Padstow we are lucky enough to have the only colony of nesting Puffins in Cornwall on The Mouls Island often known as ‘Puffin Island’ just outside of the Camel Estuary. Very near to the bustling harbour of Padstow and village of Rock, which are neighbours separated by the river Camel estuary, with water taxis between and infamous beaches along it’s banks.
How to identify a puffin
These birds are a unique spectacle locally. They have a distinct black crown, back and white underbelly, and famed vibrant parrot-like bills that develop strong colour during the breeding season to attract a mate and then fade through the winter.
How puffins feed
They are expert swimmers and divers, hunting small fish by diving underwater and bring the catch home to their young carried in their beaks. Famous images show their ability to hold dozens of small fish at once in these specialised beaks.
Where puffins nest and when they return
They nest in burrows on the grassy side on the nearby rocky island and cliffs, pairing up and often mating for life. Returning in April from a winter at sea to begin the nesting season once more. Returning to the same site each year.
Puffin boat trips from Padstow with Wavehunters
On our Sea Safari RIB trips, or our specialised 1 hour Puffin trips, our knowledgeable skippers guide a group and approach the island on one of our RIBs (Rigid inflatable boats) before switching off the engines to hover in the water observing these incredible birds in their natural habitat. Sitting listening to the natural noises of the water and the birds around you, you can observe their behaviour undisturbed as they are feeding and organising their nest, raising their young in the burrows. They then go out to fish at sea in the middle of the day to return and feed the young. The best times of day to watch them on the island is in the morning or middle afternoon. The skipper gives some information on the birds, their habits and the incredible life they live while you are on the tour, and being out there on the coast in the natural wild is a memorable experience that you will treasure. Sometimes often spotting grey seals, razorbills and guillemots on the trip as the island is bustling with wildlife.
Book a Padstow puffin sea safari
To book a Sea Safari trip with us here is a link to the bookings page. Enjoy that sunshine on the Cornish Coast with us!
