THE BIRDS OF SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE
PUFFIN – Fratercula arctica
As with all reports of rare and scarce birds they are subject to ratification by the respective rarities committees
Originally the name Puffin was given to the cured carcass of the nestling Shearwater and comes from the Middle English word 'poffoun' or 'puffon'. Fratercula is derived from the Latin meaning little brother; and probably a reference to their black and white plumage which resembles monastic robes. The short, thick, swollen bill also gives rise to the name. Some historical names for Puffin include; Guldenhead, Bass Cock, Bottle Nose, Cockandy, Coulterneb, Marrot, Mormon, Pope, Sea Parrot and Lunda Bouger.
There have been five Puffin reported from S. Gloucestershire, they are;
1935: (1)
One was present sometime in October at Filton Airfield on top of the Aerospace building.
1951: (1)
On February 25th one was washed up at Severn Beach and collected as tide line corpse.
1997: (1)
On February 25th one was seen off Severn Beach at around 07:45 and what was probably the same bird seen again on the following day on February 26th heading south-west.
2002: (2)
A winter adult was watched on February 5th off Severn Beach; On February 9th a 1st winter was identified off Severn Beach.