From 6/28 to 7/7/23 we traveled to Grand Manan, NB, Canada, attempting to see Atlantic Puffins on Machais Seal Island. A big, big thanks to Alec of SEA WATCH TOURS and his crews – the only Canadian boat allowed to land on the island. Only 15 passengers are allowed ashore daily (for 1 hour) and the trip often gets canceled due to adverse weather and seas. Fortunately, we were able to land 3 different days (book far in advance) and photograph Atlantic Puffin (5000+pairs), Razorbill (1000 pairs), Common Murre (1000 pairs – we caught some chicks), and some Arctic Tern pairs breeding on the island. Northern Gannet, Common Tern, and Common Eider with chicks were also seen. It was all amazing to witness!
7/6/23 and 7/7/23 Machais Seal Island, NB, Canada: FIRST the Atlantic Puffins! Eggs are just beginning to hatch but the nests are hidden deep in the rock caves.
7/6/23 and 7/7/23 Machias Seal Island, NB, Canada: Common Murre chicks were a treat to see as most of the chicks are difficult to see due to the nests being hidden in the rock caves. Also Common Tern.
7/6/23 Machias Seal Island, NB, Canada: An elegant Northern Gannet posed for us while two more flew about, allowing us flight shots.
7/6/23 and 7/7/23 Machias Seal Island, NB, Canada: Razorbill pairs were interacting!
7/6/23 and 7/7/23 Machais Seal Island, NB, Canada: Arctic Tern and Common Eider (f) with chicks.
7/1 to 7/8/23 Grand Manan Island, NB, Canada: We birded the island whenever we were not on the trips to Machias Seal Island and caught a few goodies such as Nelson’s Sparrow , Savannah Sparrow (bath+flowers), Song Sparrow (flowers+bugs), and a Tree Swallow with an immature youngster. Also: Yellow Warbler (m), Chestnut-sided Warbler (m), and Black-and-white Warbler (f).
7/1 to 7/8/23 Grand Manan Island, NB, Canada: We birded the island whenever we were not on the trips to Machias Seal Island and caught a few goodies such as Alder Flycatcher , Herring Gull , Common Grackle , Common Yellowthroat, White-throated Sparrow with youngster , and a distant White-winged Crossbill flock.
6/29/23 and 6/30/23 Bangor, Maine and St. George, NB, Canada: On our drive to Grand Manan, NB, Canada, we birded the areas along the road: American Redstart (m), Common Yellowthroat (f), Red-winged Blackbird (f. or imm.) , Eastern Pheobe with food for the nest , Red-eyed Vireo , Swamp Sparrow , and a Yellow Warbler study. Also, Bald eagle nest with two youngsters.
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