IRISH TIMES: I saw ‘selfies’ with puffins being taken on the Saltee islands. People should keep their distance

For nature to flourish humans need to engage with wild creatures. But if that engagement involves disturbance, damage may be done

On a recent visit to the Saltee Islands off the coast of Co Wexford, I was amazed to find that up to 200 people are landing on the larger island every day in the summer.

Four ferry boats ply the 20-minute crossing from Kilmore Quay a number of times each day. Passengers fan out across the island carrying cameras, mobile phones and picnic lunches but the majority are heading for the puffin colonies on the steep grassy slopes. These iconic seabirds are the main draw for most tourists, the majority of whom have never seen a seabird up close, except for a cheeky gull searching the rubbish bins in a city park.

Read the full article on THE IRISH TIMES website