These birds, belonging to the genus Fratercula, inhabit the cold waters of the Northern Hemisphere. There are two species in the Pacific and one in the Atlantic: Fratercula arctica. They spend most of their lives at sea, coming ashore only once a year to breed, usually at the beginning of spring. At the end of summer, they venture back into the ocean. It is during this brief interval that they are easiest to spot. Puffins nest in small burrows on cliffs, with both parents taking turns caring for the egg. They are monogamous birds and remain with the same mate for life.
Once the chick hatches, both parents alternate feeding trips, creating a spectacular show for birdwatchers. Puffins can be seen flying at high speeds over the sea (up to 90 km/h or about 56 mph) and diving underwater to hunt small fish and shrimp. They are capable of diving as deep as 60 meters (almost 200 feet) to feed, making them remarkable creatures: excellent swimmers, skilled divers, and fast flyers. They also endure strong winds and low temperatures, as they inhabit the northernmost lands.
Iceland is home to one of the largest colonies of this species. The cover photo was taken in late summer on an island in the south of the country, just before the puffins began their journey back to the ocean. Once they launch into the sea, they spend the entire autumn and winter foraging, traveling alone until they reunite with their mate the following spring—a truly touching love story.
These birds play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem by regulating populations of small fish and serving as prey for larger predators. However, their numbers have declined in some regions due to climate change and overfishing, which impact the availability of their main food sources.
With their curious gaze and swift flight, Atlantic puffins are among the most fascinating subjects for nature photographers. However, capturing them in their natural habitat requires planning, patience, and the right gear. Here are three key tips to help you create unforgettable images of this charismatic species:
Travel During the Right Season. If you travel too early in spring or too late in summer, you risk missing them. The ideal time to visit is between May and August. Puffins (Fratercula arctica) can be spotted in several countries, including the Faroe Islands, Northern Ireland, Iceland, and Greenland, each offering specific locations where sightings are common. In Iceland, for example, they can be seen at Látrabjarg cliffs or the Vestmannaeyjar Islands (where we saw them); in Greenland, there is an island near Nuuk; in Northern Ireland, they are found on Rathlin Island; and in the Faroe Islands, a prime spot is Mykines, where many puffins gather during the breeding season.
Be Patient and Come Prepared. It is important to assess the direction of the light at sunrise, as this is when puffins are most active. Dressing warmly is also key. Since puffins usually nest on cliffs, the locations can be very windy. To be able to wait patiently for hours while photographing them, staying well-protected against the elements is essential.
Use the Right Gear. Depending on the type of photography you aim to achieve, you will need to choose the appropriate equipment and settings. Since puffins are often seen from a distance—and to avoid disturbing their natural behavior—it is necessary to use a telephoto lens. If you want to capture them in flight, set your camera to shutter speeds above 1/1600. Because they are extremely fast flyers, using a tracking autofocus system will be very helpful.
During my trip to Iceland, after taking several puffin portraits I was happy with, I decided to try capturing them in flight. I couldn’t understand what was going wrong—every shot was a failure, and my frustration kept growing. I double-checked my shutter speed and ISO settings, but nothing seemed to work. Only after calmly reviewing everything the next day did I realize the problem: the focus tracking had been disabled. I learned the hard way, but it was absolutely worth it!
Photographing puffins is not just a technical experience; it’s also an opportunity to connect with nature in its purest form. Every flight, every dive, and every glance from their tiny faces reminds us how precious wildlife is—and why we must protect it.
Note: Did you know that puffins can carry up to 20 fish in their beaks at once thanks to a spiny tongue that helps them hold their catch without losing any?
Keeping Nature Tours is a tour operator that promotes photography, nature tourism, and wildlife observation with the goal of helping to conserve the most threatened ecosystems, which are affected by deforestation, lack of awareness about species, or cultural beliefs.
Through photography and nature tourism, we can showcase the most beautiful side of Colombia, creating new opportunities for the remote communities in our country.
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