Fulmar - Fulmaris glacialis
Probably not the best picture I have posted in the last two months but this is the closest I have got to a Fulmar. I usually see them powering along the tops of waves either from a ferry or far out to sea from a cliff top. Long range identification of seabirds is a 'dark art' and one which I have to confess that I have not had so much practice at. For a Fulmar in effect you have a cross shape which does not blink black and white like eg a Manx Shearwater as it follows the waves. They are quite bull chested and seem to soar effortlessly.
The reason that this is such a blurred photo is that the nesting ledge was tucked around the corner from my vantage point and I was trying to time (with a digital camera) the pictures as it took off at break neck speed. I did get some wonderful views of the fulmars gliding around the cliff tops but did not manage to get a better picture. I will upgrade the photo in time.
For now I give you an ocean specialist - a true tubenose that spends months at a time at sea.
Fulmar - Fulmaris glacialis
Cumbria
June 2008
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