Smithsonian magazine's 22nd Annual Photo Contest | Made possible through the support of MPB.com

22nd Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Atlantic Puffin Chatter

The small town of Elliston, Newfoundland is the Root Cellar Capital of the World. This small town also hosts a nesting site for approximately 300 pairs of Atlantic puffins who return each May to breed and raise their chicks. This photo was taken in July, when most of the puffins were already nesting on the island offshore, likely sitting on eggs or tending new hatchlings. This single puffin is happily calling out – to a mate? To a friend? In any case, it seems relaxed and happy.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 07.2023
Date Uploaded: 11.2024
Photo Location: Elliston, Newfoundland, Canada
Camera: ILCE-7M3
Copyright: © Sandra Nelson