Stud Puffin
For as long as I can remember, I have been an amateur ornithologists, okay a Bird Watcher aka birder. There I admit it.
One of my greatest joys as a child was sitting in my grandmothers back yard watching various song birds visit her array of feeders and bathes. There were always scraps of bread, fruit rinds, seeds and corn cobs in her yard each attracting a particular species of bird.
She would point to a water filled garbage can lid she had fashioned into a bath and sing “Splish-Splash a robin taking a bath”. Then later proclaim, “Look at that a blue jay with a peanut”, “see that nuthatch”, look over there ” a goldfinch”.
Her fountain of bird knowledge always made for a head swiveling marvel of entertainment.
This fascination she created has followed me well into adult hood. Through my travels, I’m always on the look out for a new birding encounters. From Galveston’s Featherfest to Parrot Mountain, my camera SD cards are full of bird pictures. I always look to rekindle that joy of identifying a new bird.
Birthday Bucket List Bird
My bird sighting books and field guides, are worn from years of use. I even have high techapps to identify birds by sight and sound. But there is a bird that is so unique that it doesn’t require a guide to know what it is. I have seen these on TV nature shows and they always seemed like they are located in some cold, desolate, distant land that I’ll never have the desire or courage to visit. You know, kind of like Detroit.
It is of course the Atlantic Puffin. With its distinctive black and white tuxedo attire and a beak that seems to have taken a dip in a rainbow, I’ve long yearned to see one of these little guys.
Little did I know that their main breeding ground is not in some frozen tundra, but within a few hours of my summer home in Maine. A very creatively choreographed birthday surprise puts me on course to see these guys up close a personal.
The Puffin Journey starts from New Brunswick, Canada. The ferry leaves Blacks Harbour for Grand Manan. From Grand Manan, we board a charter, Sea Watch Tours to Puffins & Machias Seal Island to Machias Seal Island.
Machias Island History
Only a few hundred feet wide, this little mile-long island in the lower Bay of Fundy is a must-visit. During the non-nesting season, the two lighthouse keepers are the only island occupants and have maintained the lighthouse for over 100 years on behalf of the Canadian Coast Guard.
Canada and the US both claim this island based on a conflicting condition and exemption in the Treaty of Paris. The lighthouse was built by the British to physically lay claim to the island, then inherited by the Canadians a few years later. The two Canadians living here are lighthouse keepers, but because the US disputes Canada’s claim, the US officially recognize them as squatters. It’s the last disputed territory between Canada and the US. None of that matters today as the island featured residents are thousands of birds make their home here during nesting season, including the Atlantic Puffin, Razorbill Auk, and Common and Arctic Terns.
Puffin Watch
After debarking the shuttle skiff, we are guided over some slippery seaweed-covered rocks before heading to the orientation area. The guide equips us with 3 foot long poles, with instructions to hold over our head at all times. These poles serve as a decoy for the dive bombing Arctic Terns that are also nesting on the island. These terns will opt to peck at the tip of pole instead of our heads.
In addition to these bombers, this beautiful island is home to the approximately 5,000 pairs of puffins, 1,000 pairs of razorbill auks, and 500 pairs of common murres.
Sea Watch Tours has exclusive access to Machias Seal Island, where only 15 visitors are allowed to land each day. It is a small group and we wonder through the nesting fields avoiding the nests on the ground and the sneak attacks from above.
Then we spot our home for the next hour, one of the numerous weather worn plywood blinds placed around the island.
These wooden structures will accommodate 4 people; but its’ “cozy”. Our blind is in a perfect spot for close-up views of the birds. The charming puffins often come as close as 3 feet from the blind offering ample photography chances. But what’s just as endearing, is hearing the little feet pattering on the roof just overhead.
Puffin Encounter
The puffin struts around the blinds and rocky cliffs like it’s auditioning for a bird version of a stand-up comedy show. It’s like Mother Nature decided to combine a penguin with a clown and threw in a dash of mischievous seagull for good measure.
Inside the blind is a not so well coordinated ballet of shuffling from one window to the next. Each offering a new view and the next contestant flying in for a quick show. I would have never believed that being locked in a wooden box with 2 other nerdy birdwatching strangers would provide any kind of joy. Although, I was disappointed when the knock came signaling that the hour long tour was over.
Gray Seal of Approval
After the time in the blind, the adventure is not over however. Upon departure from the island, we learn there is more in store as we boat by a nearby seal colony.
Here lying about the rocky shores are dozens of lounging gray seals, giving one last opportunity to snap some great pics after we leave the island.
After mastering the choppy seas, slippery rocks, and persistent dive bombs, maybe it’s time to reconsider other far away lands. The motor city, perhaps.
When not on the road, he helps others fulfill their yearning to travel as a Membership Specialist for Thousand Trails.
Glad to read Curious Craig again!! Those little stud puffins are adorable!
Cutest thing since the manatee, just harder to kiss!
Fantastic article!!
Best birthday ever! This adventure would not have been possible without you putting it together. Thank you!!