I once read somewhere that a puffin looks like your slightly inebriated uncle who has shown up in a tuxedo, ready to go, but a little off. These are not the majestic raptors that glide silently across the heavens. Rather, they are cute, comical, and aptly named. They are also excellent swimmers. The proper, scientific term for their young is “pufflings!” Try working that into a conversation.
I have never seen a puffin in the wild, and you may mock me, but they are on my bucket list. 2013 has been declared The Year of the Puffin, and in my book, it’s long overdue. –R