Question Author
many, many thanks to FoxLee;Buenchico;and Dundurn for all your answers.I thought of starlings for No. 1 but don't see the connection with the sea;perhaps Dundurn can check it -he/she must have a superb encyclopedia/ Ionly got as far as 'assal...' for No.5 and I have no idea what brittle stars are! I was stupid not to have reasoned Buenchicos' answers after all I do a lot of 'puffin' myself but tried to find wha a 'nicla' was!
This is super service from you all and this night owl can happily relax tonight.