Maine - Atlantic Puffins, Machias Seal Island

Puffins are mated for life and congregate in community of large groups migrating out to the Atlantic as far north as the Artic. They come back each summer to this rocky offshore island for the richness of food source and rocky shelter to raise their young.

Gull

Seal

Razorbills

Arctic Terns

A quiet and folksy neighborhood....motel

Boarding the boat at Cutler Bay in calm water to Machias Seal Island. The boat ride is about one hour out to the Atlantic, where rougher wind and waves will make another transfer from the boat to a skiff to land on the island. The landing in the island will be on bare rocks next to deep water with no handrail and a challenging task to say the least. Wearing life jacket is mandatory ....

Boarding the boat at Cutler Bay in calm water to Machias Seal Island. The boat ride is about one hour out to the Atlantic, where rougher wind and waves will make another transfer from the boat to the skiff before landing more challenging. Wearing life jacket is mandatory ....

Waves sweeping on shore can be huge at times. Keep an eye on them as you land.

There is no docking facility in the Island, landing is depending on weather and ocean waves permiting, but there is no mistake as to how Canada thinks about this rocky island in the Atlantic. For a serious birder and photographer, it is a worthwhile place on earth to visit a couple of times....