Open air dumps in the s caused an overpopulation of gulls, which competed for space on nesting islands, and they often preyed upon puffin chicks. Gulls remain a significant obstacle.
Food resources are also in great peril. Overfishing and the elimination of spawning habitat has greatly diminished herring and other small fish species relied upon by the puffins.
Climate change is warming the Gulf of Maine rapidly. Eastern Egg Rock is a 7-acre island located six miles from New Harbor. It is owned by the state and managed by The Puffin Project. This is the world's first re-established seabird colony. Techniques learned here are now being employed throughout the world.
This is one of the most-visited puffin islands due to its southern location and nearness to shore. Because boats from several parts of the Midcoast area make trips to the island, there are more departure options. The island is less exposed to challenging seas and this can be a good choice for those prone to seasickness. Also, the boats are large enough to handle rough water, reducing the possibility of getting splashed on windy days.
Common, Arctic, and Roseate Tern colonies are established on the island and it is one of the most reliable places to see Roseate Terns in Maine.
As a result, they are usually easy to see in their favorite spot at one end of the island. These are the only tours in the state narrated by the folks who have actually done the puffin restoration.
Call puffin. Cap'n Fish circles the island up to four times a week from Boothbay Harbor. Call The Monhegan Boat Line in Port Clyde visits the island daily and four evenings a week during the puffin season, mid-June through August. Matinicus Rock is the most remote puffin colony, located 23 miles southeast of Rockland. Due to its remoteness, it was the last island to retain nesting puffins into the early 20th century. In , the lightkeepers were hired by National Audubon to act as wardens and protect the remnant population.
Its 22 acres supports many nesting seabirds and in recent years the island hosted the only known nesting site for Manx Shearwater in the United States. Several thousand Common and Arctic Terns nest on the island and Roseate Terns are occasional nesters.
The island is owned by the U. There are no regularly scheduled commercial trips. Charter trips are available from Matinicus Excursions. Seal Island is not to be confused with Machias Seal Island, which is much farther north. At 65 acres, it is three times the size of Matinicus Rock and lies 22 miles off the mainland and about 8 miles northeast of Matinicus Rock. The ferry is restricting the number of passengers to ensure social distancing.
The boat has two decks, so there should be plenty of room along the rail for great viewing this summer. Masks are required, which is a reasonable precaution. When the boat is moving, any wayward virus is blown half a mile behind the stern before it knows what hit it.
When the boat is idling near the puffins, sea breezes often achieve the same effect. Nonetheless, crews of all vessels are taking great care to keep surfaces clean and sterile this summer. This is the only island that allows people onshore, inside blinds. Book ahead. Bring a camera. Bring a big smile. Nobody frowns upon the sight of a puffin. He developed the Maine Birding Trail, with information at mainebirdingtrail. He can be reached at duchesne midmaine.
It is only six miles from the shore, making it extremely accessible. Here, you may also spot bald eagles and even seals. This puffin trip operates out of Boothbay Harbor. Please note that Eastern Egg Rock is only visible from a boat. Puffin watching season in Maine only lasts four months out of the year.
You can enjoy these beautiful birds between the months of April and August. Although some of these islands are not as accessible as Eastern Egg Rock, puffins make them all worth the journey. After a marvelous day of puffin viewing, head home to Grey Havens Inn for the ultimate Midcoast Maine experience.
0コメント