Photographing Puffins in the Bluebells!

Spring is, without a doubt, my favourite time of year on Mull. The days get warmer and the daylight lingers for longer, fresh shoots emerge, vibrant wildflowers bloom, and more importantly, the seabirds return to the UK after spending the winter battling squalls on the Atlantic Ocean.

I (Lara) have been dreaming of photographing puffins in the bluebells all year! So, when the moment finally arrived in May and the bluebells erupted on Lunga, covering the land in a carpet of purple, I spent hours photographing the puffins.

Photo by Lara: A misty, wet day created beads of moisture on the feathers of the puffins as they moved amongst the bluebells!

The peak of the bluebell season coincides with the beginning of the puffin breeding season, affording the opportunity to observe a host of behaviours as the puffins return from months at sea. Puffins are monogamous, meaning they stay with the same partner throughout their life. To reaffirm their bonds and express their companionship, mates will exhibit a behaviour called billing, where two puffins knock their bills together. As well as reuniting with their mate, the puffins excavate the same burrows they bred in last year, and you'll see them collecting grass, flowers, and other material to line their burrow in preparation to raise a new puffling!

Video by Lara: Billing, collecting nest material, and burrow excavation!

Photo by George: A puffin collecting the gorgeous pink sea thrift to line its burrow in preparation for a new arrival!

If you want to witness all these amazing behaviours, and have the opportunity to create gorgeous bokeh using the vibrant spring-time flowers, then our Spring Wildlife Photography Workshops in May are for you!

It's a magical time of year and offers so much in terms of creating unique and memorable photographic opportunities. Book your spot today and create unforgettable memories with us at Experience Mull.

Lara 😊