Subject: Atlantic Puffin at burrow entrance, Fratercula arctica

Location: Witless Bay, Newfoundland

Stock Number: 08-20890 (above), 08-20888 (middle), and 08-20891 (below)

Comments: Fratercula arctica is the only puffin species found on the east coast of the United States and Canada. The species also ranges across much of northern Europe.

Witless Bay Ecological Reserve is by far the most important breeding colony for this species in the New World. This individual was photographed at Witless Bay in front of its burrow where the nest is located. The bird's face is bright white during the breeding season, but later will darken considerably.

In the third photo, at the bottom of the page, an Atlantic Puffin emerges from the burrow.