In this episode of the All Creatures podcast, hosts Chris and Angie delve into the intriguing world of puffins, often referred to as the clowns of the sea. They discuss the physical characteristics, behavior, and migratory patterns of puffins, focusing on the Atlantic puffin's vulnerability and the significant threats to its population. The hosts share personal anecdotes and emphasize the importance of conservation efforts to protect these birds. The episode also highlights interesting facts about puffins, including their nesting habits, courtship rituals, and the various threats they face. Additionally, they touch on broader topics like the great auk's extinction, the impact of climate change on bird migration, and the potential intelligence of puffins as evidenced by observed tool-use behavior.  A significant portion of the conversation is dedicated to puffin conservation, featuring the work of the organization Puffin Preservation and urging listeners to support puffin conservation efforts. Podcast Timeline 02:00 Welcome to the Puffin Podcast: Meet the Clowns of the Sea 02:42 Diving Deep into Puffin Conservation and Migration 05:44 From Personal Stories to Puffin Populations: A Conservation Chat 08:10 Exploring the Fascinating World of Puffins: Species, Behavior, and Threats 28:27 The Evolution and Lifespan of Puffins: A Deep Dive into Their World 36:54 The Clumsy Takeoff and Landing of Sea Birds 37:25 Evolutionary Trade-offs and Adaptations 38:49 The Unique Features of Puffin Beaks 40:23 The Mystery of the Glowing Beak 42:52 Diet and Coloration: The Carotenoid Connection 49:02 Incredible Migration Patterns of Puffins 54:41 Tool Use and Intelligence in Puffins 59:13 Breeding Habits and Nesting Rituals 01:06:18 Conservation Efforts and Puffin Preservation ------------------------------------------------------ Another thank you to all our Patreon supporters. You too can join for one cup of "good" coffee a month. With your pledge you can support your favorite podcast on Patreon and give back to conservation. With the funds we receive each month, we are have been sending money to conservation organizations monthly. We now send a check to every organization we cover, as we feel they all are deserving of our support. Thank you so much for your support and for supporting animal conservation.  Please considering supporting us at Patreon HERE. We also want to thank you to all our listeners. We are giving back to every conservation organization we cover and you make that possible. We are committed to donating large portions of our revenue (at minimum 25%) to every organization we cover each week. Thank you for helping us to grow, and for helping to conserve our wildlife. Please contact us at [email protected] if you would like to advertise on our podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices