The Clowns of the Sea Return

Every spring, Britain’s coastal cliffs come alive with one of our most beloved seabirds. The Atlantic puffin, often called the “clown of the sea” for its colourful beak and comical walk, returns to the same cliff colonies year after year. These small auks spend autumn and winter out on the open ocean, but from late March to early April they come ashore to breed. By August, they are gone again. Seeing a puffin in the wild is a privilege, and with a little care, you can enjoy them without causing harm.

Top Cliff Colonies to Visit

Puffins nest in burrows or crevices on grassy clifftops and offshore islands. Here are some of the best places in the UK to watch them respectfully:

• Farne Islands, Northumberland – A legendary spot, with thousands of pairs. Boat trips run from Seahouses, but keep your distance from nesting burrows.
• Bempton Cliffs, East Yorkshire – England’s largest seabird city. Puffins can be seen from the clifftop paths between April and July.
• Skomer Island, Pembrokeshire – A Welsh stronghold. Access is limited to protect the colony, so book ahead and stick to marked trails.
• Isle of May, Fife – A Scottish favourite. The island’s paths keep you away from fragile burrows.
• Lundy Island, Devon – Smaller numbers, but a magical experience. Watch from the cliff paths near the village.
• Sumburgh Head, Shetland – Puffins nest right beside the path here, so extra care is needed to avoid disturbing them.

Timing Your Visit for the Best Views

Puffins are most active in the early morning and late evening, when they return to their burrows with sand eels. Midday often sees them resting at sea. The best months are May and June, when the birds are busy feeding chicks. Avoid visiting during heavy rain or strong winds, as puffins stay offshore. Also, check tide times if you are walking below cliffs – never approach a colony from the sea if it means getting too close to the rocks. A pair of binoculars is far better than a camera phone for close-up views without stress.

How to Watch Without Disturbing

Puffins are hardy but sensitive to human presence. Disturbance can cause them to abandon their burrows, leaving eggs or chicks vulnerable to predators. Follow these simple rules:

• Keep your distance – stay at least 10 metres from any burrow or bird, even if they seem approachable.
• Stay on marked paths – cliff edge turf is fragile and full of hidden nests.
• Keep dogs on a short lead – or better still, leave them at home.
• Never use flash photography – it can dazzle and disorient birds.
• Do not play recordings – artificial calls stress puffins and disrupt their natural behaviour.
• Take all litter home – plastic can entangle seabirds, and food scraps attract predators like rats and gulls.

Beyond the Puffin: Seagulls and Other Cliff Dwellers

Your puffin-watching trip will also introduce you to Britain’s noisy, quarrelsome seagulls. Herring gulls and lesser black-backed gulls nest alongside puffins, and they are just as fascinating. Watch how they patrol the clifftop, ready to snatch an unguarded sand eel. You may also spot kittiwakes, guillemots and razorbills. Each has its own ledge or burrow, and together they form a bustling community. Respect them all – seagulls are not “vermin” but vital scavengers and indicators of ocean health. Give them space, and they will reward you with dramatic aerial displays.

Leaving Only Footprints

Puffin colonies are fragile. Many are in decline due to climate change affecting their food supply, as well as human disturbance. By watching responsibly, you become part of the solution. Support local conservation efforts by donating to wildlife trusts or volunteering for a cliff patrol. Share your photos and stories to inspire others to care. And remember: the best wildlife encounters are those where the animal barely knows you are there. So pack your binoculars, wear quiet clothing, and enjoy the spectacle of puffins on British cliffs – a true seasonal treasure.