Puffins in Maine
The puffins in Maine were hunted to extinction back in the early 1900’s. Careful resettlement from nesting colonies in Iceland has brought the population back to several hundred nesting pairs. Puffins go back to where they were hatched when they are ready to breed. Nesting pairs were brought in from other breeding grounds with the hope they would survive and thrive in the new location.
This colorful character is bringing food back to the nest. Before the eggs hatch, the adult puffins eat their catch at sea. After the eggs hatch, they return with small sardines and like fish for the nestlings.
Also nesting on the island are cormorants, razorbills, black guillemots, and terns. Taking a boat ride out to Eastern Egg Rock allows for beautiful views of the harbor, seals, lighthouses and sometimes Atlantic white-sided dolphins.
An excellent evening boat cruise to view the puffins and other pelagic birds is available from New Harbor aboard Hardy Boat Cruises.
Combine it with a day trip to Pemaquid Point Lighthouse, Fort William Henry, and Muscongus Bay.
Ask us for a map of the area to find all the hidden gems on the Pemaquid Peninsula!
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