Iceland's Special Puffling Patrol

For the past month, people in Iceland have been picking up baby puffins and throwing them off cliffs and shorelines. This might sound strange, but these folks are actually on a mission to save these little birds.

Why Baby Puffins Need Our Help

During late summer, baby puffins (called pufflings) start their journey to the ocean. They'll live at sea for several years before returning to land to find a mate. These small birds use the moon's light to guide them toward the water.

But there's a problem. City lights often confuse the pufflings, making them wander into town instead of heading to the ocean. Once a baby puffin gets lost in town, its chances of survival drop very low.

How the Patrol Works

This is where the Puffling Patrol comes in. Throughout puffling season, people search the town after dark for any lost baby puffins. When they find one, they keep it safe in a cardboard box overnight.

The next day, patrol members take the pufflings to wildlife experts. These experts check the birds' health and make sure they're ready to be released back into the wild.

The Great Puffin Toss

Once the pufflings pass their health exam, it's time for the most important part of the rescue. Patrol members take the baby puffins to a beach or cliff and gently toss them into the ocean. This sets the birds back on their natural course.

More Than Just Bird Rescue

The Puffling Patrol isn't just good for the birds - it brings the community of the Westman Islands together every year. People unite over this good cause, working together to make sure these baby puffins have the best chance at life.

Every puffling saved and tossed back to sea represents a small victory for both wildlife conservation and community spirit in Iceland.