In the heart of Maine, where the ocean meets the forest, lies a treasure trove of natural wonders, and one of the most captivating is the Atlantic puffin. As an avid nature enthusiast, I was thrilled to embark on a journey to witness these adorable seabirds up close. What I discovered was not just a puffin tour, but a journey through Maine's rich history, ecology, and the resilience of its wildlife.
What makes this experience truly special is the unique role Maine islands play in the puffin's story. These islands are the only places in the United States where wild Atlantic puffins nest, making them a sanctuary for these birds and a haven for birdwatchers like me. The largest puffin colonies in Maine call Seal Island, Matinicus Rock, and Machias Seal Island home, with the latter being the focus of my adventure.
My journey began with Captain Mike Moffett of Isle au Haut Boat Services, who operates a year-round passenger, mail, and freight service between Stonington and Isle au Haut. The Otter, a Wesmac Super 46, was our vessel, and it was a pleasure to sail on it. The tour left from Stonington, passing by islands adorned with colorful buoys marking lobster pots, and it was a picturesque start to our adventure.
After a smooth sail, we reached Isle au Haut, where we picked up another passenger. The island is accessible by boat and boasts a general store and the historic Robinson Point Light, built in 1907. From there, it was a short hop to Seal Island, the destination of my puffin tour.
Seal Island, part of the National Wildlife Refuge system, is a 65-acre haven for puffins. It is the largest puffin colony in Maine, and the fact that puffins survived a historical population crash here is a testament to the island's ecological significance. According to the Audubon Seabird Institute, the puffin population is on the rise, with 672 active burrows counted during their survey, a 100-burrow increase from the previous census five years ago.
The history of puffins on Seal Island is a tale of resilience. Hunting, egg collecting, and other human intrusions nearly eradicated the puffins, but two small populations survived on Matinicus Rock and Seal Island, where lighthouse keepers protected them. Audubon's Project Puffin reintroduced puffins to Seal Island in 1992, and their efforts have paid off.
What made my experience even more special was the opportunity to see puffins in flight and up close. We circled around Seal Island, immersing ourselves in the sea bird life. Black guillemots and terns were common, and we also spotted razorbills and a common murre. Harbor seals were closer to Isle au Haut, while gray seals were spotted near Seal Island.
This puffin tour reminded me of the incredible diversity of Maine. One day, you can be on the ocean, watching an island community in its own world, and the next, you can be in the forest, observing bears or moose. It's a state that offers a unique blend of experiences, and I highly recommend joining a puffin tour to experience it for yourself.
In my opinion, witnessing the Atlantic puffins on Seal Island was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It was a journey through Maine's natural history, ecology, and the resilience of its wildlife. If you're anywhere near Stonington this summer, I encourage you to join a puffin tour and check these remarkable birds off your list. It's an experience that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the wonders of nature and the importance of conservation efforts.
