Graeme Simpson, his wife Pamela, and I went to Machias Seal Island last week to see Puffins and other sea birds, not to mention the seals. In 6 days, starting on June 29, we drove to Cutler Maine, where we got a boat to the island, then returned. We stopped at Acadia National Park, Plum Island and Acadia National Forest along the way. There were varying degrees of success along the way, but Machias Island was better than we could have hoped. I’ve got too many photos and too many stories for one post, so I’ll have to finish this as I can.
Warning sign at the landing.
The lighthouse at Cutler Harbor.
The lighthouse on Machias Seal Island.
Pamela points out a bird at Acadia.
Graeme and Pamela at an Acadia vista.
Common Murres were, indeed, common.
Two Common Murres and a Razorbill.
This Eagle pair was perched in a tree at the Harbor entrance.
Arctic Tern with chick.
A lone Northern Gannet was visible on the island.
Female Common Eiders with chicks were feeding near shore.
I was surprised to see many Savannah Sparrows. I was told they had Baltimore Orioles as well.
We found a Black Throated Green Warbler in Acadia,
Apparently, Dark Eyed Juncos spend the Summer in Acadia.
We saw at least 5 Northern Parulas.
This Raven seems to have found an egg.
Many Razorbills were hanging out on the island.
Razorbills often engage in “Bill Crossing.”
Common Eiders are breeding on the island.
A lone Northern Gannet was visible on the island.
Atlantic Puffins were in the air and the water everywhere you looked.
Puffins nest in natural burrows, or excavate their own.
Atlantic Puffins were in the air and the water everywhere you looked.
Gray Seals and Harbor seals were numerous in the area.
Graeme Simpson waiting for the trip to begin.
A visit to the head requires a “Tern Stick”. Terns are very protective of their nests, and will harass anything that comes near. The stick distracts them.
Hugh, Can you private message me and give me some details of your trip? We are heading up this month to roam around Maine and I very much want to go out to see the puffins. Can you give me the name of the boat cruise company, etc. and some advice on where you stayed, etc.?
Hugh!!!! I am thrilled that you got to go! Isn’t it a fabulous place! And your photos/videos are extraordinary 😍 Wonderful, wonderful!!!