Maine is home to plenty of exciting animals that cannot be seen in other parts of the United States. Although most people will think of large mammals like moose, Maine has some birds that are highly sought by United States birders. What about puffins – are there puffins in Maine? If so, where can you see puffins in Maine?
There are–indeed–puffins in Maine, and I will reveal where to see puffins in Maine in this comprehensive article. Moreover, I will discuss topics like the best time to see puffins in Maine and how to see puffins in Maine. Let’s learn about where to find puffins in Maine!
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Types of Puffins In Maine
Three puffin species can be found throughout the world, and those interested in viewing Maine puffins will surely want to know how many different types of puffins can be found in the state. So, how many puffin species are native to Maine?
Well, the only puffin species that is native to Maine is the Atlantic Puffin. However, there have been several Tufted Puffins that have visited Maine in the last ten years, so some Maine birders have been fortunate enough to view this species in addition to Atlantic Puffins.
Although some may be disappointed to hear that only one puffin is expected in Maine, birders should be encouraged that more than 13,000 observations of these birds have been submitted to eBird from the state. Now that you know about Maine puffins, you may be interested in finding out where to see puffins in Maine. Let’s explore how to see puffins in Maine.
Where To See Puffins In Maine
Eastern Egg Rock
Knowing where to find puffins in Maine is crucial if one hopes to spot these birds, and Eastern Egg Rock supports Maine’s most notable breeding colony of puffins. Although this island is no more than 7 acres large, it hosts tremendous seabird diversity during the spring and summer. However, Eastern Egg Rock was not always a puffin haven.
Puffins had vanished from this island in the late 1800s – the result of persecution from humans and the intensification of fishing practices. Luckily, thanks to efforts from the National Audubon Society, puffins were reintroduced to Eastern Egg Rock in the 1970s. Now, close to 200 pairs of Maine puffins breed on this island.
Those interested in visiting Eastern Egg Rock can book a boat tour to view the island’s shorebird colony during Maine puffin season – the time of year that is the best time to see puffins in Maine. In addition to hearing about how these threatened puffins were restored to the island, you will hear how conservationists managed to reintroduce terns and other seabirds. If you can’t make it to the island, you can adopt a puffin who inhabits Eastern Egg Rock through a National Audubon Society initiative.
Machias Seal Island
Machias Seal Island has a fascinating history that has led to the island being claimed by both the United States and Canada. Although this may be confusing to some, what is certain is that the island is home to an impressive puffin colony that is regarded by some as the best place to see puffins in Maine. Those interested in seeing puffins in Maine would be thrilled to visit Machias Seal Island, as some estimates suggest that more than 5,000 Maine puffins breed here.
The Canadian Wildlife Service oversees the seabird colony on this 20-acre island. They have plenty to keep them busy, as ornithologists believe that Machias Seal Island hosts the largest seabird colony on the Atlantic coast of North America. This is the only location that allows visitors to go on land to observe puffin birds in Maine.
Once you arrive at the island, you will be greeted by the Canadian Coast Guard and ushered to the bird blind. Here, you can enjoy a 90-minute photography session in which you will be surrounded by puffins and other seabirds. Despite the birds being only a few feet away, you will not disturb them, as your presence will be masked by the bird blind. Machias Seal Island can be accessed from both Maine and Canada.
Matinicus Rock
Those wondering where to see puffins in Maine need not look any further than Matinicus Rock. This 32-acre island is owned by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, and it is considered to be the southernmost breeding colony for Atlantic Puffins. This puffin location has a special history when it comes to Maine puffins, as it is considered to be the only location that still hosted breeding puffin birds in Maine following hunting that extirpated all breeding colonies in the state.
Those who ask, “Where are puffins in Maine?” need not look any further than Matinicus Rock. For those who are interested in visiting Matinicus Rock, know that there is only a single option for touring this island. The excursion will allow you to cruise by the sizable breeding colony that can be found here.
Be prepared to endure a bit of time at sea if you choose to book this tour. It is nearly 25 miles to get from Rockland to Matinicus Rock, so be sure that you’ve got a good stomach for the sea. However, those with an appetite for adventure will be rewarded with hundreds of puffins and incredible viewing opportunities.
Petit Manan Island
Petit Manan Island is a 16-acre island in the vicinity of Bar Harbor. If you struck out on seeing puffins in Acadia National Park and you’re wondering, “Where can you see puffins in Maine?” then Petit Manan may be a great choice. This island is part of the Petit Manan National Wildlife Refuge system, meaning it is managed by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service.
Petit Manan Island does not support as many Atlantic Puffins as the other options on this list, however, there are still several hundred puffins that breed here. The reason why the Petit Manan Island puffins are not as numerous compared to other puffin havens is that the island does not have as many large rocks under which puffins can breed. Fortunately, innovative biologists have been creating artificial burrows here in which Petit Manan Island puffins can nest.
Nevertheless, those who visit Petit Manan Island will still have plenty of opportunities to view these charming seabirds during the breeding season. Moreover, for those interested in seeing puffins in Maine up close, there are four different options for touring the island.
Seal Island National Wildlife Refuge (NWR)
Although Seal Island NWR is most famous for its breeding population of Great Cormorants, the island also hosts a considerable population of Atlantic Puffins. In fact, more than 1,000 can be found here during the breeding season, making it perhaps the best place to see puffins in Maine.
Seal Island NWR was formerly home to the largest colony of puffin birds in Maine. However, these birds have not yet rebounded following the drastic declines experienced during the late 1800s. In the 1900s, the island was used for target practice by the US Navy, a past that is evident by artillery throughout the landscape that has yet to explode.
Atlantic Puffin numbers have been following a positive trend since their reintroduction in the 1970s. Populations are supported by a field crew that oversees the birds every summer. For those who can’t make it to Seal Island NWR, you can check out the live puffin cameras that feature birds during the Maine puffin season.
Now that we’ve gone over some incredible locations to view Maine puffins, let’s discuss when to see puffins in Maine!
What Is The Best Time To See Puffins In Maine?
Now that you know more about Maine’s puffins, you’re surely curious about when to see puffins in Maine. So, what is the best time to see puffins in Maine?
Well, the best time to see puffins in Maine is certainly during the breeding season. Birds return to their breeding colonies in April and depart around August. Therefore, visiting one of the breeding colonies in spring or summer will provide a great chance to view a puffin during Maine puffin season.
Conversely, looking for Maine puffins in the winter is unlikely to yield any success, as Atlantic Puffins are more likely to be found further south during this time of year.
Can You See Puffins In Maine In September?
Alright, now you know that winter is not an optimal time to see puffins in Maine. However, September is a time in which the Maine weather is still quite favorable, meaning that many wish to vacation during this time. Those interested in birding on their Maine vacation will doubtlessly be interested in trying to observe puffins on their trip. So, can you see puffins in Maine in September?
Yes, Maine puffins can absolutely be seen in September! However, don’t expect to find these birds at their colonies during this time. Instead, puffins are more likely to be swimming singly or in small groups on the open ocean. Booking a whaling tour will often yield views of puffins floating off the coast of Maine in September.
Okay, so September is clearly a decent time to see Maine puffins, but are there puffins in Maine all year?
Are There Puffins In Maine All Year?
You’ve surely deduced by now that Maine sounds like a puffin paradise. While puffins absolutely like to breed in Maine, they are not as fond of the state’s blustery winters. So, are there puffins in Maine for the entire year?
No, puffins are not regularly found in Maine during the winter months. After the Maine puffin season, adults and young take to the sea where they forage for fish and avoid land altogether. Most puffins have left Maine’s waters by November, and they will not be observed again until March of the following year.
Okay, we know that puffins cannot be reliably found in Maine all year, so now let’s move on to what is perhaps Maine’s most well-known attraction: Acadia National Park. Are there puffins in Acadia National Park?
Are There Puffins In Acadia National Park?
Acadia National Park is among the most popular tourist destinations in Maine, so many would love to tick two things off their bucket list by visiting this unforgettable park and observing an Atlantic Puffin. So, are there puffins in Acadia National Park?
Although Acadia National Park is beautiful, it is not an active puffin breeding colony. In fact, no Atlantic Puffin colonies can be found on Maine’s coast. Instead, colonies are located on remote islands where they are free from most human intrusion.
Therefore, seeing Acadia National Park puffins is unlikely, but not impossible. Some birders have gotten lucky enough to spot puffins floating on the Atlantic Ocean from this destination, but one must have keen eyes and hope for calm conditions to spot Acadia National Park puffins floating on the ocean. Ultimately, Acadia National Park is not the place to go if you’re wondering where to find puffins in Maine.
Remember, even though the answer to, “Are there puffins in Acadia National Park?” is no, these birds can be observed at nearby Petit Manan Island!
Conclusion
Now that you’ve read all about Maine puffins, you should know exactly when and where to see them. However, in case you missed something, let’s review some of the main points from this article:
- Are there puffins in Maine?
- Yes
- When can you see puffins in Maine?
- April through August offer the best opportunities for birders to view Maine puffins.
- Where can I see puffins in Maine?
- The five breeding locations mentioned in this article are the best places to search for a Maine puffin.