Several Nordic custom have gained tending overseas , from the Danish artistry ofhyggeto Iceland ’s Christmas “ book flood . “ But the Icelandic practice of tossing sister birds off cliffs at the end of the summer should probably stay local .
AsNPRreports , puffling season on the Westman Islands may look alarming to outsiders unfamiliar with the annual usage . Each class , Atlantic puffin lay egg in burrow on cliffs along the slide . The chicks pass about six weeks in their nest before they ’re ready to open their wings and take to the ocean .
immature puffinsare hardwired to find the ocean by following the moon ’s light — an inherent aptitude that ’s become spirit - jeopardise due to human maturation . Pufflings that fledge near towns with light befoulment often finish up flying inland . With no mode to find their style back to shoring , they can get run aground and hunger .
The people of Iceland ’s Westman Islands have stepped in to remedy this problem . In late summer , when the birds leave their burrow ( the accurate timing of puffling time of year varies based on yearly element like fish universe ) , occupier can be seen patrolling the streets at Nox with flashlights . If they spot a puerile puffin that lose its means , they gently clean it up with gloved hand and place it in a box .
The next day , people take pufflings to the sea drop-off where they can either place them on the ground and wait for the birds to take flight on their own , or — if they want a more spectacular send - off — chuck out them in the melodic phrase toward the sea . By wait for the sun to move up to release them , they avoid the puffins confusing lights for the moonshine a second clock time . Though it bet brutal , the birds have no trouble filch off and flying safely toward their new home plate for the nextfew years .
The unusual tradition help ensure the puffin will be back to draw close another year . The birds lay one ball per season at most , so every puffin that ’s rescued is significant to the survival of the species . TheWestman Islandsare home to the world ’s largest puffin colony , so the practice session is popular there , but it can be done in any town that pull in disoriented pufflings . Just expect to get some concerned spirit if you adjudicate it for yourself .
[ h / tNPR ]
