Puffins and Orchids

We were blessed with sunny skies and no rain today! This was very good for us as we did not have indoor accommodations today on Rathlin Island. Rathlin Island sits about 5 miles from the shore of Northern Ireland and is home to about 130 residents, lots of sheep, and more nesting birds than you can count!

Our theme for today was birds, flowers and how they interact with the environment. Rathlin is home to one of the largest bird nesting colonies in Ireland, with over 20,000 birds! After our ferry ride to the island, we were treated to stories of the Island by our bus driver Burt. Burt's Puffin Bus took us to the RSPB Seabird Center at the tip of the island.

There we were able to observe thousands of nesting ocean birds in the cliffs, especially the sought after bird - PUFFINS! We spent two hours watching the birds and then began our 5 mile hike back to the harbor.

Our hike took us through cliff top grasslands full of wildflowers because of the grazing by sheep, cattle, rabbits and Irish hares. These animals allow the biodiversity of the grassland to flourish.

The walk took us the rest of the afternoon and brought us back to the harbor where we were greeted by seals lounging along the shore.

Our ferry boat ride too us back to the harbor town of Ballycastle where enjoyed a wonderful Irish meal - fish and chips! Fish and chips in Ireland is very different than in the States. The fish fillet is about 12" long and there are probably two potatoes worth of fresh chips! Needless to say, everyone was full (but not too full to enjoy an ice cream from Morelli's).

Tomorrow we head to the famous Glens of Antrim to walk through the forests and see the wonderful waterfalls.