Watch: Atlantic Puffins depart earlier from Skellig Michael

Atlantic Puffins are currently departing in their droves, which seems earlier than previous years from Skellig Michael (Skelig Mhichíl) 6th-century Monastic Island, 12km off the coast of Kerry. 

Typically in April, thousands of Puffins return to the island - which is both a Statutory Nature Reserve and a Special Protection Area - to breed.  

Atlantic Puffin nest sites are found in cracks and crevices across the island which offers protection from avian predators. 

This year, the National Parks and Wildlife Service say fish is in abundant supply, and staff have closely monitored this seabird colony.