A puffin spotted off Herm by skipper Dan

We are regularly asked through the year whether we will see puffins on our trips. Unfortunately, due to a number of factors, the chances of seeing puffins are slim but not impossible and we’ll explain why…

When can you see puffins?

Puffins are only found in the breeding season within the Channel Islands, they fly in from the Atlantic around late April before leaving again in July.

Where can you see puffins on Jersey?

Puffins can be spotted between Greve de Lecq and Plemont on Jersey’s North Coast.

SEABIRD PROTECTION ZONE ON JERSEY’S NORTH COAST

How many puffins breed in Jersey?

There was an estimated 200-300 pairs of puffins in Jersey in the early 1900’s. In 1998 this had massively reduced to 22 pairs. In 2019, there are as little as 3 pairs left.

What Seafaris trip are you most likely to see puffins?

The best trips to see puffins are Sark and Herm (in May and June). On Sark, puffins breed on a rock called L’Etac which just off the South of the island. On Herm, puffins breed on the South East coast cliffs. If you are planning a trip during these times your skipper may stop at these locations to have a quick lookout for this fascinating bird.

Why have the numbers reduced so dramatically?

The decline is not completely understood as there could be a few determining factors. To start with, they have a very low reproductive rate, laying just one egg a year. This means that one large adverse environmental change can cause a long recovery of the population. Other factors that have been suggested include, reduction of small fish (mainly sand eel), increasing predators (rats), human disturbance, pollution (oil spills).

What conservation efforts are happening in Jersey?

From Greve de Lecq to Plemont there is a Seabird Protection Zone where there is a voluntary exclusion zone for boat users. There is also a Code of Conduct for both land and sea goers…

LAND • Keep to the main footpath and be aware of where you walk, particularly in nesting season. • Keep dogs away from roosting sites and on a lead. • Refrain from dropping litter, leaving dog mess or discarding old fishing tackle. • Avoid excessive noise, it disturbs nesting birds and may cause them to abandon their young. • Use designated car parks to minimise habitat destruction.

SEA • Do not enter the zone if possible during the nesting season. • If necessary to enter the zone, reduce vessel speed to 5 knots. • Stay away from coastal nesting sites. • Do not approach or disturb birds on the surface of the water as they may be resting, courting or feeding.

Other interesting puffin facts…

Puffins can stay submerged for up to a minute.

Puffins can live for over 20 years.

Puffins can dive as deep as 60m.

Puffins mate for life.

Puffin chicks are called pufflings.

Puffins can fly at over 50mph.