Chaitra Ranganayaki
Emma Thompson wrote a charming and humorous poem for the conservation charity “Friends of the Puffins” in 2020, celebrating puffins. Her poem reflects her love for nature and her witty, playful style. Here’s the poem:
The Puffin
By Emma Thompson
“The puffin is a funny bird,
With feathers black and white.
His beak is bright as any flame,
A brilliant scarlet sight.
He waddles when he walks, you see,
And flies without much grace.
But when he’s diving for his fish,
He moves with swiftness, pace.
Oh puffin dear, so full of cheer,
With wings that beat so fast.
You make us smile, you’re worth our while,
We love you unsurpassed!”
This lighthearted verse helps raise awareness of puffins’ conservation status, as their populations have been under threat due to climate change and habitat loss. Thompson, an advocate for wildlife, penned the poem to inspire more interest in protecting these delightful seabirds.
Emma Thompson is an acclaimed British actress, screenwriter, and author, known for her versatility in film and theater. Thompson is celebrated for her roles in films like Love Actually, Nanny McPhee, and Saving Mr. Banks. She is also known for her advocacy work on environmental and social issues, including wildlife conservation.
In the summer of 2024, my family and I embarked on a journey that began with a love for puffins, inspired by Emma Thompson’s poem and David Attenborough’s documentary. What started as a plan to see these charming birds in the wild turned into a broader adventure through England and Wales, where we discovered not only the beauty of puffins but also the rich history and serene countryside that make this part of the world so captivating.
Puffins, with their bright beaks and comical waddles, may seem like purely charming seabirds, but they offer valuable lessons for us to learn from. These small creatures, thriving in the harsh environments of northern coasts, exhibit traits that reflect adaptability, teamwork, persistence, and balance—qualities that can inspire us in our own lives.
One of the most striking characteristics of puffins is their adaptability. Puffins live in rugged environments, from rocky cliffs to vast open seas, where conditions can be unforgiving. Despite this, they have evolved to become excellent swimmers and divers, capable of reaching depths of 200 feet in pursuit of fish. Puffins show us how important it is to be adaptable in life. No matter how challenging our circumstances may be, learning to adjust and thrive in changing environments is key to survival and success. Whether we are facing personal or professional challenges, adaptability allows us to overcome obstacles and find new ways forward.
Another notable trait puffins embody is teamwork and community. These birds live in large colonies and, during the breeding season, take turns feeding their young and protecting their nests. Puffins also pair for life, demonstrating a deep commitment to their partners and offspring. In this way, puffins teach us the value of collaboration and community support. Just as puffins work together to ensure the survival of their chicks, we, too, can achieve more when we cooperate and support those around us. In a world that often emphasizes individual success, puffins remind us that working with others and being part of a community enriches our lives and helps us thrive.
Puffins are also models of persistence. They spend much of their time diving and catching fish, which requires repeated effort, sometimes in harsh conditions like strong winds and rough seas. This persistence is crucial, especially during the breeding season when they must provide for their chicks. Puffins teach us the importance of perseverance—of continuing to strive toward our goals even when faced with challenges. Life rarely unfolds perfectly, and setbacks are inevitable, but like puffins tirelessly hunting for fish, we can achieve our objectives if we remain determined and focused.
Lastly, puffins demonstrate a remarkable sense of balance. On land, they may appear clumsy, waddling awkwardly with their short legs, but in the water, they are agile and efficient swimmers. This balance between land and sea illustrates the importance of finding balance in our own lives. Puffins show us that we don’t need to excel in every environment or situation; rather, it’s about knowing when and where to apply our strengths. In our daily lives, finding balance between work, relationships, and personal well-being is essential for maintaining both our mental and physical health.
From their adaptability in harsh environments, their sense of community, their persistence in the face of challenges, to their ability to balance different aspects of their lives, puffins inspire us to approach our lives with greater resilience, cooperation, and perseverance. By learning from these remarkable birds, we can navigate our own lives more successfully and with a greater sense of harmony.
