TWO large willow puffins have been unveiled on the headland at Plémont.
The sculptures were put on display as part of the National Trust for Jersey’s Arrival of the Puffins event yesterday, which was held to highlight the plight of the species and the role the Island can play in protecting seabirds. Live music was provided by the Aureole Choir and folk band Sonneux.
The sculpture depicts two puffins facing each other with their bills touching. This position, known as ‘billing’, is a sign of recognition and partnership between breeding pairs. The sculpture’s internal framework is steel and the rest is made of willow, which will be replaced or repaired when required. The artwork is expected to remain in place for its two-to-three year lifespan.
There are four breeding pairs of puffins left in the Island, compared with hundreds of pairs a century ago. They are often found between Plémont and Grève de Lecq from March to July.
The species is threatened by invasive predators such as feral ferrets and rats. The awareness-raising sculpture is part of a wider project aimed at improving the habitat and breeding opportunities for the local puffin population.
