Seafari to the Isle of May

Up until now, I had never ever seen a puffin apart from on TV or in pictures, and I desperately wanted to fulfill an ambition to see one.  I had seen a photography trip advertised which left North Berwick Seabird Centre out to the Isle of May in the Firth of Forth but, by the time I got round to checking it out, all the spaces were filled, so I decided to try and book a Seafari May trip instead, but time was getting tight as the puffins will be leaving shortly!!

So, taking the bull by the horns, I booked a trip for my husband and I for Wednesday 26th July as the weather forecast was good for that day - and we've not had that many good days this year!!  However, it was disappointing to hear later that the trip had to be cancelled due to lack of interest, however the good news was that we could go the next day, Thursday 27th July instead, so the trip was on!!

We set off in the morning, stopping at our local sandwich shop for some filled rolls and juice for a picnic, then headed off to North Berwick.  We popped into the Seabird Centre for a coffee first and then made our way the short distance to the harbour.  Once togged out in our waterproofs and lifejackets and a short safety talk by our guide Maggie, it was time to set off.  The weather wasn't too bad, although there were some dark grey clouds about!!  We bounced along the waves, which was great fun and, the closer we got to the Isle of May, the sea was teeming with bird life, including puffins - it was marvellous!!

We arrived on the Isle of May and took the opportunity of a short guided walk by Maggie before sitting down for our picnic lunch then some free time before gathering together for the trip back to North Berwick.  There was some picnic tables outside the small visitor centre and there are also toilets, so basic needs are catered for.  I loved our trip over there and wouldn't hesitate to recommend that other people give it a try, and I'd certainly do it all over again in a heartbeat!!

The weather held out quite well, although it did cloud over after lunch.  The thing is however, puffins don't like warm weather so, on the day we had originally booked for, most of the puffins had been out at sea and not on the island, but during our visit the weather was perfect for them and having never even seen one puffin before, I had now seen thousands!!

As you can imagine, I was busy with the camera to record my day out, so here are what I think are the best of the photos:

Make room for me, I'm coming in!!

The Viridor Puffin

Sea pinks