Puffins departing earlier from Skellig Michael

The iconic Atlantic Puffins are currently departing in their droves, which seems to be earlier than previous years from Skellig Michael, (Sceilg Mhichīl) - 6th century Monastic Island 12 Km, off the coast of Kerry.

Maybe they arrived earlier this year and successfully bred on the UNESCO Heritage Site. Typically in April, thousands of puffin return to Scellig Michael, to breed. Puffin nest sites are found in burrows or in cracks and crevices across the island which offers protection from avian predators. This year fish is in abundant supply, with plenty of adora- ble puffins recorded this season. Whatever the weather - NPWS staff have closely monitored this seabird colony. One such puffin was ringed on 8th July 1991, and spotted 31 years later by Ornithologist Brian Power. Skellig Michael is both a Statutory Nature Reserve and a Special Protection Area.