The kittiwake is a bird of the open ocean. Virtually never do you see a kittiwake out of sight of salt water. Occasionally, however, flocks of them will come to bathe in fresh water ponds near the seashore. They live in colonies on steep, rocky cliffs hanging directly over the sea. I have visited kittiwake colonies in many different parts of the world, and it is always an exciting affair with plenty of noise and a very special aroma. - Robert Bateman