An Atlantic puffin inspects a nesting burrow on Skomer Island, Wales

An Atlantic puffin inspects a nesting burrow on Skomer Island, Wales

Atlantic puffins spend most of their lives at sea—either flying over the surf as they migrate or search for fishing spots, or diving into the water to gobble up fish. But in spring and summer they come ashore to nest, meet up with their mate, and with any luck, raise a chick or two. Puffins can dig their own burrows, as they prefer to build a nest underground atop seaside cliffs. But if there are rabbit warrens around, the puffins have no problem moving into empty burrows.