Runaway pufflings attracted by the bright lights of the city

Two runaway pufflings have been found wandering around hotels and garages in North Berwick.

The baby puffins were attracted by the bright lights of the town after leaving their flooded burrows on the island of Craigleith in the Forth.

Buddy was found strolling along the corridors of the Macdonald Marine Hotel and Spa by staff member Sam McCaskill. He called the Scottish Seabird Centre who picked up the hotel’s new guest.

The young bird snacked on some fresh whitebait from the Seabird Café before being released back into the sea and heading home to the island.

Another puffling, Fiesty, was brought to the centre by a member of the public after being spotted at Mitchell’s Garage on Dunbar Road in North Berwick. He was also fed before being released back towards Craigleith.

Staff at the Seabird Centre are asking anyone who spots a lost puffling to call them out. Attracted by the bright lights of the town, they put themselves at risk of being hit by a car or attacked by other animals.

Pufflings are shades of grey with grey beaks rather than the distinctive black and white of adult puffins.

Tom Brock, chief executive of the centre, said: "Every year the pufflings get attracted into the town by the lights, when they leave their burrows. This puts them at risk as they often wander under cars or they can be attacked by pets and other animals.

"We are appealing for everyone in North Berwick, and coastal towns in East Lothian, to please keep their eyes peeled to help save any more pufflings who have lost their way. Please contact the centre and we will coordinate a rescue.

"We suspect that many puffin burrows may have been flooded in the recent wet weather. With people’s help, we would like to save as many lost pufflings as possible."

Between 9am and 5.30pm, the centre can be contacted on 01620 890202. Outwith these hours Maggie Sheddan should be called on 07709 505 133.

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