Puffins are one of life’s little treasure birds, absolutely stunning little animals and they nest on Anglesey too!
Puffins spend the majority of there lives at sea, they are fantastic swimmers, this enables them to catch fish at depth (up to 70 metres). As the weather begins to warm they head back to land for the breeding season. Puffins will dig burrows to lay there eggs in as apposed to a more traditional birds next. On puffin Island they are slightly different and tend to lay their eggs in cracks in the rocks on top!
They are a beautiful birds with bright oranges legs / feet and equally as bright beak. They are often affectionatly refered to as sea parrots. You can see them bring back mouthfuls of sand eels to feed their chicks. The record for one bird was 70, which is huge given they are only small birds.
The breeding season is from April to July, this is the only chance you will have to see them before they head out back to sea. South Stack is known as one the best places to see them in the UK to see Puffins. Skomer Island in Pembrokeshire and St. Kila in Scotland are also the best places to see them. The St.Kilda colony contains over quarter of the Puffins entire population in Europe.
You can see the puffins here, RSPB Visitor centre, Holyhead LL65 1YH
Anglesey Dolphins – there are two main types of Porpoise that regularly visit the islands coast. These are the Harbour Porpoise and the Bottlenose Dolphin.
Harbour Porpoise are true to their name, they stick to shallower waters closer to the shore. They prefer coolers water, often inhabiting harbours and outer estuary areas. These are the smallest porpoise in European waters, only reaching about up to around 1.5 metres in length. They do not breach from the sea on a regular basis like other species and often stay clear of boats. You will however spot them easily enough as their backs and small triangular dorsal fins clear the water.
Bottlenose Dolphins are very different from their Harbouse Porpoise cousins. They will often fully breach the water giving great displays. They are a very curious and intelligent mammals. Moreover they will often approach boats to check them and their occupants and will, when playful travel in the boats wake. The Bottlenose Dolphin grow up to around 4 metres in length and are identifiable by there more sickle shaped dorsal fin. The UK biggest pod of these dolphins lives to the south of Anglesey in Cardigan Bay.
As well as porpoise there are other marine animal that regularly visit the coasts of Anglesey such the Minke Whale, these can grow up to 10 metres in length. Though these are usually seen further out from shore by the boats.
Several species of turtle visit the coastline in search food like jellyfish in summer. Seals also have colonies around the island and are commonly seen around the coastal path. Oh and last but not least, two killer Whales were spotted off South Stack in June 2018, part of a pod that live around the Hebrides in Scotland.
Puffin Island is a little jewel just off the North East coast of Anglesey. It is at the northerly starting point of the Menai Strait and is a haven for wildlife. Regular boat trips depart from Beaumaris for this very reason.
St Seiriol had monastery here in the 6th century which is still just visible on the top of the island today, he was closely linked with Penmon Priory.
These days it is only wildlife that live on the island, it is currently a bird sanctuary. Comorants, Shags and the Altantic Grey Seals are residents here year round and they can be seen in high numbers from the cruise boats. During the breeding season which is around April – July there are many other species on the island. Outside of this period alot of these breeding birds will remain out to sea. Razorbills, Guillemot, Kittiwakes and Puffins are some of the these regular visitors.
Unfortunately and accidentally rats were introduced to Puffin island and the Puffin colony was decimated, with the rats feeding on the breeding Puffins eggs and chicks. Moreover following this accidental introduction a program to remove the rats has now been completed and the islands bird populations have bounced back. However there are still only very small numbers of puffins returning during the breeding season, fingers crossed this will increase again with time.
The waters around the island are rich in marine life, providing a source of food for the nesting birds and seals that call the island home. Puffin Island is also frequented by Harbour Porpoise and Bottlenose Dolphins, great to watch if you are lucky enough to see them. The waters provide plentiful bounties of food hence they frequent the area. Particularly true in summer when the large shoals of Mackerel move into the area. These in turn are hunting the fish fry or white bait and Sand Eels as the great circle of life continues around us.
You are no longer allowed on Puffin Island, the closest you can get is by boat. It is also popular with small boats and kayaks who fish in the area or come to see the wildlife. There are two companies operating out of Beaumaris that provide pleasure cruises to the island at resonable prices too, for the more adventurous there are fast Rib rides to see the island.
Tried and tested, could not stop grinning!
Top tip – If you head for Penmon Point with a good zoom camera or binoculars you can get a good view. At times none are needed as seals and dolphins may come quite close to the shoreline. Moreover its also good to spot to try fishing for Mackerel, great for a bbq tea.
Atlantic Grey Seals are a regular sight in the Irish Sea around Anglesey, moreover there are multiple little colonies around the island. The island provides the perfect habitat for them with an abundance of food. Rocky coves and secluded inlets and islands allow them to live and breed in relative piece.
Playful Seals
There are several hotspots around Anglesey where you can watch them as they laze around on the rocks and beaches. The Anglesey Coastal path will bring you into close proximity to where the seals live, they can be seen from any section the path in their search for food. Moreover Summer or winter they are on the island year round, they can literally popup at any time.
The seals generally start to give birth to their pups in September through to December. The pups are born fluffy and yellow like baby chickens! If you come across them do not touch or disturb them as they maybe abandoned by their mothers. Try to keep dogs on leads as well as maintaining your distance to avoid distressing them. They are great to watch as they congregate in vast numbers during the breeding season.
Several companies around Anglesey offer cruises, which allow you to see all manner of wildlife. The companies operating from Beaumaris have trips up to Puffin Island, a known hot spot and breeding ground for the seals.
Seacoast Safari Cruises and Rib Rides are a great way to get on the water. Fast rib rides or take your time having a steady cruise, it’s your call. One thing you won’t be able to stop is the massive grin on your face.
The Rib Rides are seriously fast and exhilarating fun for everyone. Be aware that you will get bounced around and probably a bit wet at the same time.
These high speed boats allow you to see more at a quicker pace. Trips south down the Menai Strait to take in the bridges or even further don’t take long at all. Heading north you can go for a ride around Penmon lighthouse and Puffin Island. A great spot to see the seals and even Dolphins or Harbour Porpoise too at times.
The Seacoast Safari offers a more relaxing and less bumpy ride to see the seals and maybe Puffins. There is also a toilet on board should the need arise.
If you are in Beaumaris then you should definitely at Seacoast Safaris and Rib Rides to your list of things to do
