Puffins on Staffa, the National Trust for Scotland’s world-famous island nature reserve, are using visitors to protect them from attacks by aggressive gulls.

The birds’ behaviour was highlighted by the skipper of a local tourist boat, during a recent visit by Trust wildlife experts.

Davy Kirkpatrick, who runs tours to the island, noticed that puffins seemed to wait until visitors were close to nesting burrows before coming in to land. The proximity of people appeared to discourage the anti-social behaviour of gulls, allowing the puffins safe passage to their burrows.

There are more than 400 pairs of birds spending the summer on Staffa. The island is uninhabited by man, making it a popular and safe summer home for many seabirds. It is an ideal time to visit, as there are plenty of opportunities to spot puffins on land, sea and in the air.

Puffins, which form long-term bonds with their breeding partners, come to the island every year from far out in the Atlantic Ocean where they spend their winters.

Mr Lindsay Mackinlay, Nature Conservation Adviser with the Trust said:

“This is very interesting behaviour from the puffins. They appear to be making the most of the distraction caused by people to prevent being attacked by gulls. Visitors need not worry - the gulls pose no threat to people. In fact gulls are pretty scared of people and that’s why the puffins’ strategy is so effective.

“Now is the perfect time to visit Staffa to see puffins, since they are in the midst of the nesting season. It’s a great opportunity to see these lovely birds up close and in a totally unspoilt and stunning environment.”