The Razorbill - Alca torda - was not as common on the Farne Islands as either the Puffins or the Guillemots, but in the end I did manage to get good views. Only about 350 pairs of this bird nest on the Farne Islands - and I suspect that a good number had already left by the time I visited.
I have to say that the dark eye on a dark head was a bit of a challenge photographically!
This is school concert week, so I will make this short and sweet!
PS: Have a look at the new header as well - more Puffins!
Now it's over to you - click away to join in. Don't forget to visit the other WBW contributors if you get the chance.
This is one gorgeous bird! Really nice detailed work. I missed these birds on our trip to Maine. Next time....:)
ReplyDeletereally like the pinstriping on the bill! :)
ReplyDeletegreat captures of a gorgeous bird. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful bird!! Never seen one like him before!! I, too, really like the pinstriping on his bill!! Hope your week is going well!!
ReplyDeleteAwesome bird Stewart!!!!
ReplyDeleteWow ! Really a gorgeous bird !
ReplyDeleteGreat photos !
A very handsome bird. I like the new header as well.
ReplyDeleteStriking looking birds. I have the same problem getting a good picture of my Black Lab :)
ReplyDeleteThe header is a great shot too
Excellent series Stewart of this chunky Auk with its very distinctive face and bill pattern.
ReplyDeleteThat third photograph caught both his and my eyes. :-)
ReplyDeleteOh, I had to tease you a little about Cromer...maybe it's like Brigadoon, and only appears every hundred years, only it's the people who leave and return! :-) I think it would be a little "creepy" to be in a town and not see every many people.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful auk! Wow!
You got some wonderful images of the Razorbills. You probably know that food scarcity drove them all the way down to the Florida coast the winter before last. They did not fare well, as many were exhausted and starving.
ReplyDeleteI really need to get to the Farne Islands. I really like the Puffin banner and of course the fabulous Razorbills. I see them in Angelsey. From Findlay
ReplyDeleteDark head, dark eye. Yes a real challenge Stewart and one I almost dread but you did well. Thanks for the Wednesday links again.
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful bird, with interesting markings.
ReplyDeleteCool bird. You got some great pics of him/her!
ReplyDeleteVery distinctive markings on this bird Stewart, and your photos are
ReplyDeletegreat.
Superb pictures Stewart.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool looking bird!
ReplyDeleteAfter succesful beginning in WBW, the second post attached :) A little quiz in bird identyfication this time.
ReplyDeleteA stunning bird, looks like a sculpture.
ReplyDeletePhil, awesome new header. I love the Puffins. And the Razorbills are cool birds. I think there is a chance to see both of these on a Pelagic out and off the coast of Maryland..It is just a shame I get seasick. Great photos! Thanks for hosting, have a happy week!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bird, never seen something like it
ReplyDeleteBeautiful!! That's one of the most unique beaks I've ever seen.
ReplyDeleteThey probably have one of the best looking bills I've seen on any bird! Magnificent! Really nice shots of these guys!
ReplyDeleteWow, those birds are amazing! You got such wonderful shots--it must have been great to be there, especially with a camera in your hands. Nice header, too, Stewart.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful bird! You got some great shots.
ReplyDeleteGreat looking bird, I like the features around the head/face.
ReplyDeleteGreat looking birds. Your images are awesome, as always!
ReplyDeleteGreat shots of the razorbill, especially the one open mouthed one showing the hooked upper. I would have been happy just seeing one or a pair. No use crying over spilled mild that all 350 weren't there to greet you.
ReplyDeleteA classy looking bird! Love your puffin header!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bird! Great photo work!
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting looking bird. Love the beak and the dark dark blackness. Love the header too.
ReplyDeleteMB
Heel mooi maarhet lijkt mij heel moeilijk om dat zwarte oog in dat zwarte gezicht er mooi op te krijgen.
ReplyDeleteAmazing looking birds! Sorta look like they could be the Hummer of shorebirds!
ReplyDeleteYou did a wonderful job with those dark heads and eyes. I am happy that that a few had waited around for your visit, truly beautiful birds
ReplyDeleteThat is one great looking bird!! I don't think I've ever seen it. Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteYes, definitely a challenge to get the eye sharp with nothing to contrast with. Those are some beautiful stripes on the bill and head.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fascinating bird!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful bird and markings. I can understand the difficulty with no contrast to the eye area. Nice header, too, the Puffins appear to be having a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely, interesting-looking bird. I love birds...they're wonderful creatures.
ReplyDeleteFirst things first...LOVING the Puffin header, Stewart!!! And this week's bird is yet another I never heard of..always a pleasure!...:)JP
ReplyDeleteHi Stewart. To answer your question about the naming of Swallows. Some people use the "Barn" others don't. I use it on the blog to show that it is the same species as elsewhere, particularly for US readers as I have a number. Cheers. Phil
ReplyDeleteVery striking photos of a fascinating bird, Stewart.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great looking bird! You did a great job with the black eye on black head problem!
ReplyDeleteIowa Voice
What a wonderful bird. Today I saw a toucan!
ReplyDeleteMy dad always says he will make a big nursery and buy a bunch of birds. But only says.
These are awesome birds and awesome pictures of the awewome birds as well. I didn't post this week because I am chasing around trying to get ready to leave for Switzerland next week. It occurred to me that I don't think I have ever heard of a Swiss bird ... have you? I am sure I will have pictures of mountains and people ... but birds? ... no birds? Surely they have them and we just don't know about it, right? Anyway, I will be back September 8th just in time to post the Swiss birds if I find any ... so until then, Stewart ... Be well :)
ReplyDeleteAndrea @ From the Sol
What fabulous shots! That's a good-looking bird.
ReplyDeleteSo many beautiful details...
ReplyDeleteLike they have been to a make-up artist.
So I am surprised that nobody noticed you started out with a Razonbill and turned into a razor.
ReplyDeleteI chuckle. MB
I gazed at your header for some minutes as soon as your site came up -- beautiful and I'm so envious. As usual both of your birds and your photographic talent. And then your post made me feel even more so ... but happy too. Lovely just to know these birds exist and that you saw them.
ReplyDeleteHappy but sure would love to go birding there!
PS: we have the black skimmer in Florida and it is the same problem with the eyes.
I does look a bit like a penguin. It's a beautiful bird, that's for sure. Nice photos Stewart.
ReplyDelete