The other day I thought I better go down and see the Black Guillemots on Bangor Pier as they should be leaving for a life far out at sea until they return again in March. These are a series of photos I took and also I added some shots I took a few years ago when they were ringing some of the young ones on Copeland Island. At the end there will be a short video.
Now these Black Guillemots below have started their moult and eventually instead of them being mainly black, they will be mainly white. I was looking at three out in Ballyholme Bay and one of them had nearly reached winter plumage already.
Below are photographs taken on Copeland Island and this is one of the experienced ringers trying to find a young chick to ring. The Black Guillemots nest in burrows about 3 foot deep and it is just about the length of ones arm. Great care has to be taken to catch the chick the correct way before it is able to attack and wound the ringer with its sharp beak.
Below are some of the chicks caught, ringed and photographed.
Then I had the privilege to hold one of the furry chicks.
In the video you will hear me say I did not know what the white was around it beak and also if this bird was a young one. Well by now you will know that this bird is an adult and moulting.
I am sure you realise by now, I do a lot of talking and asking questions to myself on my videos!!!
Now the short video can be accessed at http://youtu.be/7US5Z-Jki7U
If there is a black space below, click it.
Thank you for visiting and I hope you enjoyed seeing the Black Guillemots.
MANY THANKS TO ALL who left comments yesterday on any of my posts. I appreciate every one of them.
I am linkig this post to The D'BIRD POST
I am linkig this post to The D'BIRD POST
Margaret these are interesting birds. I know I wouldn't be game enough to stick my hand down those burrows. Who's to say there's not more than a guillemot in there?
ReplyDeleteThis is a great video and aren't these little guys gorgeous-I am learning so much from you Margaret and gaining a deeper interest in birds...
ReplyDeleteAmazing images Margaret and what a privilege to be able to hold one of them.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen these birds as yet.
Oh my gosh Margaret, brilliant photos and video!!! Such an interesting bird and those chicks are so darned cute!
ReplyDeleteBrilliant Black Guillimot, what a dream. And so close.
ReplyDeleteMargaret great shots of the Guillemots. They are cute birds and I love the chicks. Very cool to be able to hold one of the chicks. Great post and photos.
ReplyDeleteREally fascinating bird, and I gather it winters out at sea. How fascinating. Also not sure if I would like to be the person that is sticking my arm way down in that dark hole. Makes me think of snakes. Great post and also enjoyed your video so much!
ReplyDeleteYou got some great photos of this beautiful bird. Great detail. Enjoyed the video, too.
ReplyDeletethey sure are cute - whether chicks or adult! good luck, little guys!
ReplyDeleteThose are great photos Margaret and aren't you the lucky one handing those wonnderful birds? I have to travel a long way to see black gillies.
ReplyDeleteFabulous shots! Those chicks are too cute. Have a lovely evening!
ReplyDeleteHi Margaret... What a privilege to hold the little ball of fluff!!
ReplyDeleteGreat shot's all, and that is a a mighty looking beak ouch!!
Thanks for shaaing with the video!!
Grace
I have found that I have to go through interent explore to get your blog to come up in a normal format!! I have chrome!!
Those little ones are so adorable.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos Margaret and what a privilege to be able to hold the young bird :) Thanks so much for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteOh wow. And to hold that feathered enchantment must have been such a treat.
ReplyDeleteGreat series of photos!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous experience for you and I thank you for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteGreat close ups!
ReplyDelete