Francis Linley Blathwayt

“ The chief colony of the Puffins (Fratercula arctica) is at the northern end, where the birds burrow in the soft soil among a débris of huge granite boulders scattered about in wild confusion. The number of the birds must be enormous, as, when one approaches the colony, all the rocks and the sea beneath appear to be covered with Puffins and Razorbills; while hundreds more are swinging round and round in a large circle, which extends some distance over the water. I was much struck by the remarkable tameness of the birds. ”

“ If time does not allow a visit to all the cliffs on the north-west side, where the Guillemots and Kittiwakes chiefly congregate, the visitor would do well to follow the rough track on the top of the island to the north end, where he may see the large colony of Puffins and Razorbills, which to the bird-lover is perhaps the most interesting sight which can be obtained on this picturesque island. ”

“ The few remaining pairs seem to have learnt wisdom by experience, and have selected a place where only bold climbers could reach their nests. Formerly, I am told, they built their nests in places where any child could take their eggs without danger.
The building of the lighthouse and the noise of the fog-horns seem to have disturbed all the sea-fowl at the northern end of the island, and their numbers are said to be far smaller than in former years. Puffins, Guillemots, Razorbills, and Kittiwakes, however, still breed on the island in enormous numbers. ”