The Story of a Jumpling

Sat 21st Jun, 2025

Steve and I have just returned from leading one of our groups on another fantastic Northumberland Wildlife Spectacular.

Coquet Island in search of Roseate Terns - June 2025 © Richard Baines

There were many highlights from thousands of Atlantic Puffins, American Black Tern, Roseate Terns and Dark Green Fritillary but the experience which will remain with me for a long time was watching and photographing a Guillemot (or Common Murre) jumpling being led down the cliff to take its first leap into the unknown!

Jumpling is the nickname given to a three-week-old Guillemot chick as it takes its first jump into the sea.  On the 19th June we were sailing on the boat Serenity, around the impressive Farne Islands when we caught sight of an adult Guillemot leading its offspring down the cliff towards the sea.

A long way to go. Guillemot and jumpling - Farne Islands June 2025 © Richard Baines

It is the responsibility of the male Guillemot to lead it’s one chick into the water and then care for it until big enough to fend for itself.

Flap your wings! Guillemot and jumpling - Farne Islands June 2025 © Richard Baines

Stage by stage the adult male Guillemot walked slowly down the rocks. I was impressed by how patient the adult was.

One step closer. Guillemot and jumpling - Farne Islands June 2025 © Richard Baines

No pushing just gentle encouragement and time. At each stage the male stood close to the click. The chance of predation by gulls would be high at this stage.

The big jump! Guillemot and jumpling - Farne Islands June 2025 © Richard Baines

The male would occasionally peer over the edge of the rocks and call to the chick giving encouragement ‘don’t worry I will follow you’. At one stage the male flapped its wings to show the chick how to use its own tiny wings.

Alone on the sea. Guillemot and jumpling - Farne Islands June 2025 © Richard Baines

Eventually the chick plucked up enough courage to take the jump all by itself. The adult at this stage must be relieved the click is still alive!

Not for long! Guillemot and jumpling - Farne Islands June 2025 © Richard Baines

On the water the chick looked shocked and very vulnerable until its father joined it seconds later. In the last sequence of photos, I was impressed how close the chick stays to the father. Pressing up against his body.

Keeping close to father. Guillemot and jumpling - Farne Islands June 2025 © Richard Baines

This strategy allows the father to feed the chick far more food than if it stayed on the cliffs. Small fish caught by the male are quickly brought up to the surface and fed to the hungry chick. Taking far less time than if the male and female had to fly back to the hick on the cliffs.  

Guillemot and jumpling - Farne Islands June 2025 © Richard Baines

Guillemot and jumpling - Farne Islands June 2025 © Richard Baines

In ten days’, we will be back in Northumberland leading another group. We are blessed with many lovely clients on all of our tours and I am sure the next trip will be just as good.

If you would like to register your interest in our 2026 Northumberland Wildlife Spectacular, please email us on info@yorkshirecoastnature.co.uk