The time is now to observe Atlantic puffins in the waters of Maine: Nature News

The Atlantic puffin, a charismatic and beloved seabird, is a vital indicator of the health of the Gulf of Maine. Found nesting on islands like Eastern Egg Rock, Seal Island, and Matinicus Rock, these birds are part of the alcid group characterized by their black and white plumage and colorful bills. Puffin beaks are a marvel of engineering, allowing them to catch and hold multiple fish in their mouths while swimming. Puffins were nearly extinct in the Gulf of Maine due to overhunting but have seen a resurgence thanks to conservation efforts like Project Puffin. However, warming waters in the Gulf are now threatening the puffins’ food source, posing a new challenge. It is crucial to address climate change to ensure the survival of these vulnerable species. The best time to see puffins in the Gulf of Maine is in June and July, observing them flying to and from their nests and feeding their young pufflings. To learn more about seabird conservation projects, you can visit The Project Puffin Visitor Center in Rockland, Maine, or check out the Audubon Seabird Restoration Institute online. These efforts are crucial to protecting the puffins and other seabirds in the region.

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Photo credit www.seacoastonline.com