Wednesday 6 July 2016

Wild Bird Wednesday 206 - Fulmar

For me, the Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialis) is the archetypal cliff-top bird.  As a kid I nerd saw birds like Puffins or Razorbills - but I do have clear memories of seeing Fulmar.   I can never see them now without thinking of the phrase 'I can't bend my wings' as I see their wonderful 'stiff-winged' flight as being the easiest way of separating them from gulls.

These pictures were all taken at or around Marwick Head on the Mainland Island of Orkney.  The birds are related to Albatros and are part of the 'tube nose' group of birds.  You can see the tube noses in some of these pictures.

Compared to some of my recent posts, this bird is doing reasonably well, and is expanding its breeding range.












You can join in with WBW by clicking on the blue button below.  SM

31 comments:

  1. this is a bird I really grew fond of when I visited Scotland. It is a gorgeous bird and larger then I thought :)

    Thanks for sharing the images :)

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  2. the Fulmar is a lovely bird ot see whether on land or in flight. Thanks for hosting Stewart

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  3. Love these photos from all angles.

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  4. I always enjoy watching the Fulmars when we go to Cornwall and to Anglesey. Fantastic pictures of them, especially against the sea.

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  5. Your flight shots are spectacular. So enjoyed this whole series. We're just settling in after our cross country roadtrip ... I will be back to catch up with your adventures soon. Thanks as always for hosting .

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  6. Nice action shots of the birds in flight!

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  7. Their beaks are so unusual...almost like they have some kind of cyber-device attached. Cool photos!

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  8. Beautiful Fulmars, and the islands of Orkney. Your shots are fantastic.

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  9. Hello Stewart, I am not sure I have seen the Fulmars. Your photos are wonderful, great series.

    Thanks for hosting WBW! Have a happy week!

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  10. very cool birds. nice cliff-side flight shots.

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  11. I just love the look of the feathers on their chests. I bet they feel lovely and soft, too. I wanted to reach out and touch them...beautiful.

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  12. Beautiful birds and really magnificent in flight. Your photos of the bird diving are especially great.

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  13. Beautiful photos! Love the flight shots!

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  14. Hi Stewart, what majestic birds. I love that they are part of the "tube nose birds" Thanks for hosting this meme. I only have a "common" fiscal today but it always makes a great subject. Have a good day. Jo

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  15. It's a beautiful bird. Thanks for hosting!

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  16. Wonderful birds to watch with that stiff wing beat.

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  17. All nice shots. Sweet looking birds. I particularly like that third shot.

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  18. Stewart, what a handsome bird. Thanks for sharing.

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  19. The tube nose is interesting, wasn't familiar with it. They sure make flying look easy--and fun!

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  20. Beautiful "in flight" shots Stewart..Looks very much like an Albatross..they make one want to be able to fly!!

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  21. Great...super great... close-ups, Stewart!...I can never get the sea birds in flight...NEVER!!!...:)JP

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  22. Your in-flight shots are spectacular!

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  23. That stalling into the wind is very impressive - in real life and in your pictures Stewart. It's not a bird I see much living as I do in the flatlands.

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  24. I love Fulmars. What a beautiful bird. I've only seen the Northern species but wow! How do you capture all these sea birds so clearly??!! You do a fantastic job!

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  25. A sweet bird. Great photos and especially enjoyed the ones in flight.

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  26. It's great to have birds that evoke childhood memories.

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