In a heartwarming display of compassion, residents of Vestmannaeyjar, an island off the southern coast of Iceland, have taken it upon themselves to rescue baby puffins, known as pufflings, by throwing them off cliffs.
This annual resident tradition, known as “puffling season,” has become crucial to the island’s conservation efforts to protect the endangered Atlantic puffin population.
This is where the dedicated locals of Vestmannaeyjar, an island off Iceland’s southern coast, step in to save the day.
The Perils of Light Pollution for Pufflings
For centuries, pufflings have relied on the moon’s gentle glow to guide them from their burrows to the sea, where they will spend the next few years of their lives. However, as human settlements have grown and artificial light has become more prevalent, these young birds have become increasingly disoriented. (ref)
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Instead of following their instincts toward the ocean, many pufflings are drawn to the bright lights of towns and cities, leading them into dangerous situations.
Stranded on the streets, these chicks become vulnerable to predators, starvation, and even drowning in the oily waters of harbors.
The Puffling Patrol
To combat this problem, the people of Vestmannaeyjar have formed the “Puffling Patrol,” a group of volunteers who dedicate their nights to searching for lost pufflings.
Armed with flashlights and cardboard boxes, residents of all ages scour the streets, collecting the disoriented birds and providing them temporary shelter until morning.
According to local participants, it’s not uncommon for a single person to rescue up to ten pufflings in one night. Sisters Ágústa Ósk Georgsdóttir and Sunna Tórshamar Georgsdóttir, interviewed by the Smithsonian Magazine, claim to have caught over 125 baby puffins in a single season.
A Life-Saving Toss
Once the pufflings are collected, rescuers keep them safe in cardboard boxes overnight. The following morning, the Puffling Patrol heads to the cliffs on the island’s west side, where they gently toss the baby puffins into the air, allowing them to spread their wings and glide toward the ocean. (ref)
While it may seem unconventional, this method ensures that the pufflings begin their journey to the sea without further obstacles.
Locals believe that the gentle toss encourages the birds to take flight immediately, increasing their chances of survival.
A Crucial Conservation Effort
The puffling rescue tradition has become essential to puffin conservation in Iceland. Martínez Catalán of the South Iceland Nature Center emphasizes the importance of this practice, stating that the failure of multiple generations could lead to the collapse of the puffin population.
Puffins, which mate for life and typically lay only one egg per season, have significantly declined in recent years.
In 2022, residents of Vestmannaeyjar observed only half the number of pufflings compared to the previous year, highlighting the urgency of their conservation efforts.
A Community United
The puffling rescue mission has become a cherished tradition that unites the Vestmannaeyjar community. Participants range from children as young as four to adults in their nineties, all working together to ensure the survival of these beloved seabirds.
During the puffling season, the cliffs are lined with people shoulder-to-shoulder, each preparing to launch a puffling towards the sea.
The rescue effort not only saves individual birds but also contributes to scientific research, as volunteers are encouraged to log the weight of each puffling on a dedicated website.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.