Let's dive into a captivating adventure off the coast of Maine, where a unique mail boat doubles as a wildlife tour guide. I, for one, was under the impression that there was only one such service, but as it turns out, there's more to this story than meets the eye.
The Quest for Puffins
Maine's Atlantic puffins are a rare and adorable sight, and I was determined to witness these pelagic seabirds in their natural habitat. Imagine my delight when I discovered that Boat Coast Charter Co. isn't the only game in town when it comes to puffin tours. Enter Isle au Haut Boat Services, a year-round passenger, mail, and freight service with a special summer twist.
A Summer Tradition
From June to mid-August, Isle au Haut Boat Services transforms into a seasonal delight, offering puffin tours alongside their regular operations. I joined Captain Mike Moffett and his crew on The Otter, a sleek Wesmac Super 46, accompanied by Bob Duchesne, an Outdoors contributor, and Laura Blandford, a naturalist with a sea bird expertise. Our journey began in Stonington, passing by islands adorned with colorful buoys marking lobster pots below.
A Journey to Isle au Haut
As we approached Isle au Haut, the excitement built. This island, with its general store accessible only by boat and the historic Robinson Point Light, offered a glimpse into a unique coastal community. After picking up another passenger, we continued our voyage, eventually reaching Seal Island, home to Maine's largest puffin colony.
The Charm of Seal Island
Seal Island, a 65-acre gem within the National Wildlife Refuge system, is a haven for puffins and other seabirds. It's one of the few places in the United States where you can find these wild Atlantic puffins, and I was eager to experience their presence firsthand. The comparison to Mount Rushmore is intriguing; both are iconic attractions that leave a lasting impression despite their frequent appearances in media.
A Historical Perspective
Puffins have a fascinating history in Maine. Once on the brink of eradication due to hunting and human intrusion, they survived in small populations on Matinicus Rock and Seal Island, thanks to the protection of lighthouse keepers. Audubon's Project Puffin reintroduced puffins to Seal Island in 1992, and the population has since shown signs of recovery. The latest survey counted 672 active puffin burrows, a significant increase from previous years.
A Restricted Paradise
Despite the restrictions on landing visitors due to unexploded ordnance from Navy target practice, we were treated to a spectacular display of puffins in flight and along the rocks. The unique coloration of their bills was particularly striking. Black guillemots, terns, razorbills, and even a common murre added to the avian spectacle. Gray seals, too, were a common sight near Seal Island.
A State of Natural Wonders
This experience reminded me of Maine's incredible diversity. One day, you're observing an island community with its own distinct rhythm, and the next, you're in the depths of the forest, spotting bears or moose. It's a state that offers a unique blend of coastal and wilderness adventures.
A Summer Must-Do
If you find yourself near Stonington this summer, I highly recommend joining The Otter for a puffin tour. It's an opportunity to tick Atlantic puffins off your wildlife-watching list and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Maine. Personally, I think it's an experience that showcases the best of what this state has to offer, and I can't wait to hear about your adventures!
