Puffins Of Melrakkaey Island

Cruise to rocky Melrakkaey Island to watch a colony of puffins nesting on the steep cliffs, swimming in the sea and perhaps even flying much faster than you might expect. After walking from the pier, you will soon reach a small boat that is ideal for sightseeing and reaching areas off limits to other vessels. Melrakkaey Island is one of those enviable spots, where you will be treated to an up-close view of the puffins that live on the rocky cliffs. Although the direct translation of Melrakkaey is “fox island,” it is also commonly known as the Reverend’s Island because it has belonged to the nearby parsonage since the 14th century. For years, hay was harvested here until the island became a protected bird refuge. While you may see seabirds such as guillemots, shags and kittiwakes, puffins are the star attractions. The birds are easy to identify because of their bright orange beak and penguin-like coloring. Some people call puffins “sea parrots” because of the shape of their beaks. The majority of the world’s Atlantic puffins breed in Iceland and Melrakkaey Island is one of their favorite spots. You will see their nests on the precipitous rocky cliffs and surely spot puffins in the water resting on the waves between dives for prey such as small herring. Female puffins lay a single egg, which both parents help incubate. They are fascinating birds and you will learn much about them before returning to the pier.