It’s not always the obvious that is the source of danger for the birds. On Craigleith, famous for its puffin colony of ten thousand breeding pairs, the population of what is undeniably the cutest and most comedic of all seabirds fell in a few short years by 90 per cent because of tree mallows, giant invasive plants whose roots make it impossible for the birds to dig the burrows where they incubate their eggs and raise their young. Ever since the calamitous fall in numbers, volunteers have been working to eradicate the mallows. In spite of the efforts of more than a thousand supporters of the puffins, the mallows persist, though their numbers have been reduced sufficiently to allow the puffins to start rebuilding their colonies. They’re a welcome sight; it would be a hard heart that didn’t feel a rise in its spirit at the sight of a puffin.
— Val McDermid, Winter: The Story of a Season (Atlantic Monthly Press, December 30, 2025)
Notes:
- Book Review in Washington Post by Laurie Hertzel: The perfect little book to get you through winter’s doldrums. In “Winter: The Story of the Season,” the prolific mystery writer Val McDermid offers a warm look at a dark time.
- Photo: Chris S via Pexels. Puffin Standing on Ground with Beak Open. Iceland, 2024.
Love these puffins! It’s my home turf in Scotland, east of Edinburgh. I didn’t know about the mallow tho. I’ll check it out and see how to contribute. x
Me too!!!!
“fell by 90 per cent”!!! Damn the mallow! Our puffin-love cannot abide this!
Preach!!!!!
I would hate to lose these birds.
With you Anneli.
“It’s not always the obvious that is the source of danger.”
Yes!
Save the puffins!
Yes!!!!
What a tragedy…bless those volunteers! 💪💪
No kidding!!!!!
Absolutely agree with Val McDermid – It would be a hard heart indeed. Puffins are the most magical and sweetest of birds…
Agree Carolyn!
glad that someone figured out what was happening and why and that they have taken action. so important to help to save these whimsical precious animals
so agree with you Beth…there are good people on this planet doing great things.
everything is connected, big and small and it all matters
I’m glad they are making progress to save the puffin population. I’d love to see one up close.
Me too Jim….
We always had plenty off the downeast coast of Maine. Not sure they are there anymore?
Let’s hope so!