Canonical URL: https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/07/08/four-days-with-the-puffins-of-skomer-island/ # Four Days with the Puffins of Skomer Island Published on July 8, 2025 [![An Atlantic Puffin Silhouetted By The Sunset Photographed Whilst Spending Four Days With The Puffins Of Skomer Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-Puffin-silhouetted-by-the-sunset-photographed-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-1024x683.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-Puffin-silhouetted-by-the-sunset-photographed-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island.jpg) Written by [David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/guides/david/) with images contributed by [Ian Roberts](https://natureslens.co.uk/guides/ian/). ## What Is A Photographer’s habitat – Four Days with the [Puffins of Skomer Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/2014/10/20/puffins-skomer-island/)? **Skomer Island**, off the coast of Pembrokeshire, is one of Britain’s most impressive wildlife havens. Renowned for its puffins, guillemots, razorbills, & other seabirds, it gives photographers consistent opportunities to observe & capture these charismatic creatures in their natural habitat. This trip report details a four-day visit in June 2025, which was led by [Ian](https://natureslens.co.uk/about/ian/) for NaturesLens, & was filled with **golden sunrises, puffin antics**, & the thrill of spotting elusive short-eared owls. [![An Atlantic Puffin Holding A Beak Full Of Fish Photographed By Ian Roberts Whilst Spending Four Days With The Puffins Of Skomer Island Guiding For Natureslens](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-Puffin-holding-a-beak-full-of-fish-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-Puffin-holding-a-beak-full-of-fish-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg) [![An Atlantic Puffin Resting In Its Burrow Photographed By Ian Roberts Whilst Spending Four Days With The Puffins Of Skomer Island Guiding For Natureslens](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-Puffin-resting-in-its-burrow-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-Puffin-resting-in-its-burrow-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg) ### Day 1 – Arrival & First Encounters After overnight rain, the skies cleared just in time for our rendezvous at **Martin’s Haven**. As we approached Skomer, **rafts of puffins bobbed on the sea**, while guillemots, [razorbills](https://natureslens.co.uk/photograph/razorbill/), & more puffins wheeled overhead – a promising start. [![An Atlantic Puffin Flying Over A Green Meadow Photographed By Ian Roberts Whilst Spending Four Days With The Puffins Of Skomer Island Guiding For Natureslens](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-Puffin-flying-over-a-green-meadow-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-Puffin-flying-over-a-green-meadow-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg) The crossing was smooth, & we arrived under a fine but cloudy sky with a fresh breeze. After settling into our accommodation & a briefing on the island’s wildlife, we set off on an orientation walk. This took us to prime viewing spots, inevitably ending at **The Wick**, Skomer’s most famous [puffin](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/puffins/) colony. [![An Atlantic Puffin In Flight Near A Series Of Rocky Cliffs Photographed By Ian Roberts Whilst Spending Four Days With The Puffins Of Skomer Island Guiding For Natureslens](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-Puffin-in-flight-near-a-series-of-rocky-cliffs-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-Puffin-in-flight-near-a-series-of-rocky-cliffs-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg) That evening, we returned for sunset photography, but thick clouds thwarted our hopes of golden light. Still, it was a valuable session for acclimatising to the puffins’ speed & agility – these little birds are **astonishingly quick in flight**! [![An Atlantic Puffin Flying Near A Coastal Cliff At Sunset Photographed By Ian Roberts Whilst Spending Four Days With The Puffins Of Skomer Island Guiding For Natureslens](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-Puffin-flying-near-a-coastal-cliff-at-sunset-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-Puffin-flying-near-a-coastal-cliff-at-sunset-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg) [![An Atlantic Puffin Flying Over A Coastal Cliff Edge Photographed By Ian Roberts Whilst Spending Four Days With The Puffins Of Skomer Island Guiding For Natureslens](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-Puffin-flying-over-a-coastal-cliff-edge-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-Puffin-flying-over-a-coastal-cliff-edge-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg) [![An Atlantic Puffin Flying Over A Grassy Hillside Photographed By Ian Roberts Whilst Spending Four Days With The Puffins Of Skomer Island Guiding For Natureslens](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-Puffin-flying-over-a-grassy-hillside-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-Puffin-flying-over-a-grassy-hillside-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg) ### Day 2 – Sunrise & the Hunt for Short-Eared Owls A **4:15 am alarm** greeted us with clear skies & the promise of a good sunrise at **The Landing**. However, mist over the Preseli Mountains & lingering cloud on the horizon led us to **The Wick** instead, where we captured strong **backlit & rim-lit puffins** against the morning glow. [![An Atlantic Puffin In Flight Over The Grassy Cliff Edge Photographed By Ian Roberts Whilst Spending Four Days With The Puffins Of Skomer Island Guiding For Natureslens](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-Puffin-in-flight-over-the-grassy-cliff-edge-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-Puffin-in-flight-over-the-grassy-cliff-edge-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg) [![An Atlantic Puffin Just Touching Down With Fish In Its Beak Photographed By Ian Roberts Whilst Spending Four Days With The Puffins Of Skomer Island Guiding For Natureslens](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-Puffin-just-touching-down-with-fish-in-its-beak-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-Puffin-just-touching-down-with-fish-in-its-beak-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg) After breakfast, we ventured out again before day-trippers arrived. A **short-eared owl** was spotted hunting in North Valley, though frustratingly distant. The afternoon was quiet, with many birds seemingly taking a siesta – perhaps resting after the morning’s activities. [![A Meadow Pipit Perched On Green Leafy Plant Photographed By Ian Roberts Whilst Spending Four Days With The Puffins Of Skomer Island Guiding For Natureslens](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-Meadow-Pipit-perched-on-green-leafy-plant-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-Meadow-Pipit-perched-on-green-leafy-plant-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg) [![A Stonechat Perched On Green Ferns Photographed By Ian Roberts Whilst Spending Four Days With The Puffins Of Skomer Island Guiding For Natureslens](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-stonechat-perched-on-green-ferns-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-stonechat-perched-on-green-ferns-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg) As evening approached, the clouds broke, gifting us perfect golden light at **The Wick**. Puffins preened, squabbled, & posed obligingly, their **bright bills glowing in the warm hues** of sunset. ### Day 3 – Backlit Puffins & Elusive Owls Another pre-dawn start, this time rewarded with a clear sky & misty horizon. At The Wick, the low sun created **distinctive backlighting for 30 glorious minutes** before it rose too high. The puffins were in fine form – **flying in with sand-eels**, clattering their bills, & shuffling in & out of burrows. [![An Atlantic Puffin Beautifully Illuminated By The Evening Light Photographed By Ian Roberts Whilst Spending Four Days With The Puffins Of Skomer Island Guiding For Natureslens](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-Puffin-beautifully-illuminated-by-the-evening-light-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-Puffin-beautifully-illuminated-by-the-evening-light-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg) Post-breakfast, we searched for the elusive short-eared owl east of the farm, catching just a fleeting glimpse. The afternoon was quiet, allowing time to observe puffins at close quarters as they tended to their burrows. [![An Atlantic Puffin Spreading Its Wings At Sunset Photographed By Ian Roberts Whilst Spending Four Days With The Puffins Of Skomer Island Guiding For Natureslens](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-Puffin-spreading-its-wings-at-sunset-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-Puffin-spreading-its-wings-at-sunset-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg) [![An Atlantic Puffin Spreading Wings At Sunset Photographed By Ian Roberts Whilst Spending Four Days With The Puffins Of Skomer Island Guiding For Natureslens](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-Puffin-spreading-wings-at-sunset-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-Puffin-spreading-wings-at-sunset-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg) [![An Atlantic Puffin With Illuminated Wings At Sunset Photographed By Ian Roberts Whilst Spending Four Days With The Puffins Of Skomer Island Guiding For Natureslens](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-Puffin-with-illuminated-wings-at-sunset-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-Puffin-with-illuminated-wings-at-sunset-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg) Our final evening brought us to the **Garland Stone**, where we captured **striking silhouettes** of [seabirds](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/seabird/) against the sunset – until thick cloud swallowed the sun whole. [![An Atlantic Puffin Silhouetted At Sunset On A Coastal Cliff Photographed By Ian Roberts Whilst Spending Four Days With The Puffins Of Skomer Island Guiding For Natureslens](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-Puffin-silhouetted-at-sunset-on-a-coastal-cliff-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-Puffin-silhouetted-at-sunset-on-a-coastal-cliff-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg) ### Day 4 – Departure After three intense days of photography, a well-earned lie-in was in order. A cloudy morning made for a relaxed pack-up before our 9:00 am boat back to the mainland – tired but **exhilarated** by the experience. ## Species Photographed on This Trip - **Atlantic Puffin** (Fratercula arctica) – The stars of the show, seen flying, carrying fish, & interacting at burrows. - **Common Guillemot** (Uria aalge) – Wheeling over the cliffs & rafting on the sea. - **Razorbill** (Alca torda) – Often seen alongside guillemots, with their distinctive thick bills. - **Short-Eared Owl** (Asio flammeus) – A brief but thrilling sighting as it hunted over North Valley. [![A Razorbill Perched On A Coastal Rock Photographed By Ian Roberts Whilst Spending Four Days With The Puffins Of Skomer Island Guiding For Natureslens](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-Razorbill-perched-on-a-coastal-rock-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/A-Razorbill-perched-on-a-coastal-rock-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg) ## Reflections on this Skomer Adventure What makes Skomer truly special is the accessibility of its wildlife. Few places, other than [travelling to Grímsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/grimsey-island/) – I am reliably told by [Robin](https://natureslens.co.uk/with/robin/) – allow such close encounters with [puffins](https://natureslens.co.uk/for/puffins/), their comical antics & vivid beaks providing endless photographic opportunities. Even the quieter moments, when the birds seemed to pause in the afternoon lull, offered a chance to observe their more subtle behaviours – preening, burrow-tending, & the occasional squabble over territory. [![An Atlantic Puffin Flying Over The Ocean Photographed By Ian Roberts Whilst Spending Four Days With The Puffins Of Skomer Island Guiding For Natureslens](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-Puffin-flying-over-the-ocean-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-Atlantic-Puffin-flying-over-the-ocean-photographed-by-Ian-Roberts-whilst-spending-four-days-with-the-Puffins-of-Skomer-Island-guiding-for-NaturesLens.jpg) For photographers, patience is key. The light shifts quickly, the birds move even faster, & the best sightings often come when least expected. But that’s the joy of Skomer – it rewards perseverance, & even on a cloudy morning, there’s always something distinctive to witness. If you’re planning a visit, **embrace the early starts**, pack for **all weathers**, & **keep your camera ready**. The island’s magic lies in its unpredictability, & every trip brings something new. ## Share this post - - - - [![An Atlantic Puffin On A Snowy Background Photographed By Alison Jenkins Who Will Be Leading The Natureslens Winter Wildlife of Arctic Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/An-atlantic-puffin-on-a-snowy-background-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-who-will-be-leading-the-NaturesLens-Arctic-Wildlife-Of-Varanger-photography-holiday-300x200.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/07/01/puffins-in-the-snow-photography-holiday/) ### [Our Arctic Wildlife & Winter Wildlife of Arctic Varanger Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/07/01/puffins-in-the-snow-photography-holiday/) July 1, 2025 Want to see what you could be photographing during our Winter Wildlife of Arctic Varanger wildlife photography tour? Explore Norway's… - [![One Of Skomers Atlantic Puffins Atop A Rocky Outcrop](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/One-of-Skomers-Atlantic-Puffins-atop-a-rocky-outcrop-300x200.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/06/05/atlantic-puffins-may-2025/) ### [Atlantic Puffins, Seabirds & Golden Hour Magic in May 2025](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/06/05/atlantic-puffins-may-2025/) June 5, 2025 A report on a recent 4-day wildlife photography trip to Skomer Island, Wales - home to Atlantic Puffins, Short-eared Owls,… - [![An Inquisitive Stallion Walks Up The Beach As Photographed During The Natureslens White Horses Of The Camargue Photography Holiday](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/03/an-inquisitive-stallion-walks-up-the-beach-as-photographed-during-the-natureslens-white-horses-of-the-camargue-photography-holiday.jpg)](https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/04/18/inspiring-white-horses-of-the-camargue/) ### [10 inspiring images of the White Horses of the Camargue](https://natureslens.co.uk/2019/04/18/inspiring-white-horses-of-the-camargue/) April 18, 2019 I wanted to share more images from our White Horses of the Camargue photography trip in September 2018 to give… In this article 1. [What Is A Photographer's habitat - Four Days with the Puffins of Skomer Island?](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/07/08/four-days-with-the-puffins-of-skomer-island/#what-is-a-photographers-habitat-four-days-with-the-puffins-of-skomer-island) 1. [Day 1 - Arrival & First Encounters](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/07/08/four-days-with-the-puffins-of-skomer-island/#day-1-arrival  first-encounters) 1. [Day 2 - Sunrise & the Hunt for Short-Eared Owls](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/07/08/four-days-with-the-puffins-of-skomer-island/#day-2-sunrise  the-hunt-for-short-eared-owls) 1. [Day 3 - Backlit Puffins & Elusive Owls](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/07/08/four-days-with-the-puffins-of-skomer-island/#day-3-backlit-puffins  elusive-owls) 1. [Day 4 - Departure](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/07/08/four-days-with-the-puffins-of-skomer-island/#day-4-departure) 1. [Species Photographed on This Trip](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/07/08/four-days-with-the-puffins-of-skomer-island/#species-photographed-on-this-trip) 1. [Reflections on this Skomer Adventure](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/07/08/four-days-with-the-puffins-of-skomer-island/#reflections-on-this-skomer-adventure) ### Author DM [David Miles](https://natureslens.co.uk/guides/david/) shares practical field notes, trip updates and wildlife photography advice from the NaturesLens programme. Next step ### Find your next wildlife photography holiday Browse small-group trips by destination, subject, season and photographic goal. [Browse Holidays](https://natureslens.co.uk/wildlife-photography-holidays/) ### Related articles [![What Can You Hope To Photograph In One Week At Shompole Wilderness?](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/One-of-the-Resident-Lions-Sitting-Near-the-Waterhole-at-Night-photographed-in-one-week-at-Shompole-Wilderness-150x150.jpg) **What Can You Hope to Photograph in One Week at Shompole Wilderness?**](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/10/31/one-week-at-shompole-wilderness/) [![Photographing Puffins & Other Birds Of Grímsey Island](https://natureslens.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/A-lone-Atlantic-Puffin-standing-on-a-rocky-coastal-cliff-photographed-by-Alison-Jenkins-during-a-NaturesLens-tour-to-photograph-the-Atlantic-Puffins-other-Birds-of-Grimsey-Island-150x150.jpg) **Photographing Puffins & other Birds of Grímsey Island**](https://natureslens.co.uk/2025/07/08/birds-of-grimsey-island/) ### Field notes by email New articles, trip reports and wildlife photography holiday announcements from NaturesLens. 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