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

17th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World
Puffin taking off

On a small catamaran in Kamchatka, we saw tufted puffins catching fish and carrying them in their beaks to feed the young. This puffin was trying to take off and it somehow reminded me of the Road Runner cartoon. While awkward on the one hand, the bird's motions had some efficient grace and elegance as well.

Photo Detail
Date Taken: 08.2019
Date Uploaded: 11.2019
Photo Location: Russia
Camera: NIKON D7500
Copyright: © Arie Katz