Heavy Metal

Tufted Puffin Homer, Alaska

This is the very first bird I photographed when we went out onto Kachemak Bay from Homer. I knew they have bright orange beaks during breeding season, but I wasn’t prepared for just how orange they are! But what really caught my eye is that shock of fine blond feathers resembling a Mohawk. That mane of “hair,” the color patterns on the face and the eyes seemingly looking out from behind a mask made me think of the 80s heavy metal rockers.

When breeding season ends the colorful orange bill plates fall off, that bright white face turns gray and the golden “Mohawk” feathers disappear. Just like when those heavy metal rockers got off stage and took off their make-up.