Awaiting the Fisherman

This female Puffin stands outside her secure nest on a cliffside, guarding her chick from predators while awaiting the return of her mate, who is off fishing for the family. This was taken on a foggy afternoon at the south end of the Shetland Islands. Although they return to the same place to nest, mate and raise their young each year, the jury is out on whether or not puffin partners spend the year at sea together.