The Clowns of the Sea

It's really amazing what you can find on a beach and Balmedie Beach near Aberdeen is full of surprises. There are the usual bits of driftwood, plastic bags and abandoned Toilet Duck containers of course. But the last week's storms have washed in a harvest of Puffins.

The last time I saw Puffins was when I was on St Kilda and they were very much alive and breeding.

According to Bill Oddie the ornithologist, Puffins are colourful and full of character. Known as 'clowns of the sea' and even 'sea parrots' they are I think quite delightful.

It's such a shame to see them lying dead on the sand.