Orkney birdwatchers needed for “Puffarazzi”

Planning to go puffin-spotting in this summer?

RSPB Scotland is urging visitors to puffin colonies in Orkney to join their “Puffarazzi” and send in photos of the birds, as part of Project Puffin.

Through this conservation project, the organisation hopes to discover more about what puffins feed their chicks. As Orkney is home to nearly 10 per cent of the puffins that breed in the UK and Ireland, conservationists feel it is important to find out  exactly what Orkney’s pufflings are being fed.

According to RSPB Scotland, puffin numbers have plummeted in recent years, across the UK and Europe, leading to the species being declared vulnerable to global extinction.

Now, visitors to colonies such as those at Castle o’ Burrian in Westray, Hoxa Head in South Ronaldsay or Marwick Head on the Mainland, can play a part in helping to save these birds by photographing puffins carrying fish for their chicks.

This June and July puffin-spotters can upload their images to a dedicated webpage. Here RSPB Scotland will analyse the photos and identify the fish to build up a picture of what puffins around the UK and Ireland are feeding their chicks.

Dr Ellie Owen, who is leading Project Puffin, is excited to be starting the “puffarazzi” phase of their mission.

“We know that many people love to visit puffin colonies during the summer and this part of the project gives them the chance to contribute to helping these much-loved birds,” she said.

“Puffins are facing huge declines over the next 50 years – it’s estimated their numbers will go down by between 50-70 percent by 2065 – so it’s really important that we act now to help them.”

Dr Owen has emphasised that anyone can take part in “puffarazzi,” but encourages eager bird-spotters to follow RSPB guidelines in order to ensure the safety of the birds. Steps on how to avoid disturb the puffins while capturing photographs  can be found on the Project Puffin webpage.