When you're surrounded by Atlantic Puffins, the rain dampens everything but spirits. Throw in some Common Murres and Razorbills and let the fun begin On Saturday, May 17th, members of the Penobscot Valley Chapter of Maine Audubon enjoyed an adventure to one of Maine's least-visited puffin islands. There are five along the coast, with regular puffin trips to Eastern Egg Rock, Petit Manan, and Machias Seal Island. But visits are scarce to Matinicus Rock, and only recently has Captain Bill Baker of Old Quarry Adventures started offering trips to Seal Island (which is not the same as Machias Seal Island.)

It didn't start raining until the passengers arrived at the boat and didn't stop until they disembarked. But a cabin and good raingear served well and no bird was left unviewed. As the Nigh Duck departed the dock, a flock of Surf Scoters parted to let us through. Soon, we encountered the first Black Guillemot, followed by hundreds more. They are numerous along the shores of Isle au Haut and all the way out to Seal Island, where even more gather. We encountered the first of the day's Northern Gannet's at about the halfway point of the voyage, and passed the first of several Common Murres while still a couple miles out to sea.

Food is abundant near the island and the Common and Arctic Terns do not have to travel far to forage. Their numbers built as we approached the island. Before long, the first puffin flew by the stern, followed by a second moments later. Before we knew it, they had us surrounded. We came out with our hands up and surrendered. Puffins are isolated from much human contact, so they are rather tame, willing to allow the boat within 40 feet without disturbance. Thus, we enjoyed close views of them and of the many Razorbills that also inhabit the island.

Generally, the puffins appreciate the calmness of the south-facing cove, sheltered from the prevailing winds, and so we were able to snap off plenty of photos. However, the Common Eiders and Great Cormorants prefer the windward cliffs, and the seas built as we circled the island to see them. Great Cormorants are easily found along Maine's coast in winter, but they are hard to find in summer. Most go north, but a small population lingers to breed on some of the offshore islands and Seal Island is particularly blessed. We had excellent views as they flew over us or roosted on the rocks.

At last, we headed for home, passing more gannets and murres on the way. The nice thing about chasing puffins in May is that Purple Sandpipers have not yet gone north. As we passed close to Isle au Haut, we noticed several flocks foraging at the waterline. Captain Bill even circled around and stopped next to the lighthouse where a flock of 20+ were easy to see - a life bird for some on board, as the puffins and razorbills had been for others.

Naturally, when the cruise ended, the sun returned. Oh well, the air had a salty clean aroma in the late afternoon, as enjoyed on the deck of the Inn On The Harbor in downtown Stonington.