there is nuffin, nuffin, nuffin like a puffin

The Latrabjarg Cliffs in the Westfjords of Iceland, are home to hundreds of thousands of sea birds that arrive at the cliffs each year to lay their eggs. We wondered along the the top of the cliffs enjoying the pretty spectacular views, however, it was only when you paused to sit on the cliffs' edge that you could truly appreciate just how many bird were hidden in the rocks. The longer you sat there, looking down to the ocean, we realised the thousands of little dots bobbing along the waves were small birds. 

I have certainly never considered myself much of an ornithologist, but there was so much action as the birds flew in and off the cliffs, diving in the water or simply flying with such skill and prowess it was mesmerising. We were both shocked to find how much time we passed watching the birds, although it wasn't so surprising where the puffins were concerned.

 Above and below. There were quite a few different sea birds, with the puffin being one of the most elusive. These razorbills nest in the higher parts of the cliffs so were easy to spot at first.

 

Above. Once sitting for long enough you could occasionally spot little glimmers of orange that were our first glimpse of puffins. 

Above and below. There were also a lot of gulls on the cliffs, that were particularly entertaining to watch as they glided in and out of the cliff crevices.

 Below. Being Iceland, there were very no barriers or warnings about the steep cliff edges, which made it very easy to peer over the side and check out the birdlife.

Below. At one point we even spotted locals climbing down the side of the cliff to collect the eggs for their supper. It was quite incredible to see how differently Icelanders view nature, and what an integral part of their life it is.

Below. PUFFINS!!! As we were walking back to the car, a little puffin popped out onto a small rock ledge, and the longer we sat more followed. It shocked me how small they were, how adorable their adorable waddle was however, was not at all surprising!

Below. One little fella we were watching for a while would waddle into its burrow, reappearing five minutes later with an increasingly dirty beak, take in the view from its perch, fly out to sea and do a lap, then return shortly to the burrow and get back to work. This process was repeated again and again. 

Above and below. A puffin, doing its' puffing. 

We took a serious number of photos of the puffins, thanks for making it all the way to the bottom! 

around and round, and up and down.

We spent a full day driving through, or perhaps around, the Western Fjords to arrive at the western most point of Iceland and Europe. A stunning drive that involved travelling along the coast of each fjord, up and over each mountain and down the other side. It was quite spectacular, albeit rather exhausting, especially the hours on gravel roads, and rather terrifying when passing enormous tractors undertaking road works and manoeuvring rocks larger than our car!!!

The weather, like the scenery changed frequently during the drive. I have to admit each and every time we drove over the highest point of a fjord, the view over the inlets did not cease to impress. This was by far the most isolated area we encountered of Iceland, seeing only a handful of other people and less than a few houses along the way. It was all most absolutely worth it for the frenzy of puffins we were lucky to see when we finally arrived at our destination... coming up next!