A Lobster Boat Adventure to Machias Seal Island: Puffins in the Wild

Nestled at the edge of the Atlantic, where the cold waters of the Bay of Fundy meet the open ocean, lies a rocky island which is one of Maine’s most spectacular natural wonders—Machias Seal Island- home to a colony of Atlantic puffins

Setting Sail: A Lobster Boat Journey Across the Bay of Fundy

The adventure begins aboard a lobster boat charter, departing from the Maine coast and charting a course through the Bay of Fundy. Known for its extreme tides, this region provides a dynamic marine ecosystem where seals, porpoises, and seabirds thrive. As the boat makes its way, seabirds like razorbills, common murres, and Arctic terns fly by, hinting at the excitement about to come- Atlantic Puffins!

Machias Seal Island is one of the rare places where visitors can set foot among nesting puffins, thanks to controlled access that protects the colony while allowing for intimate wildlife experiences. Access is exclusive - only 15 people per day can step foot onto the rock island, no exceptions. Once we make landing on the island from the lobster charter, we make our way over to the photography blinds where we are just feet away from the burrows and busy activity of the puffins. Being in the photography blinds allows me to have the closest, natural encounter without disturbing the birds which results in images that are the puffins being puffins!

Stepping onto Machias Seal Island feels like entering another world. The air is full of activity as puffins swoop in and out of their burrows, their beaks brimming with fish. During the summer breeding season, puffins turn the rocky island into a bustling rookery. They are expert divers, using their wings to propel themselves underwater in pursuit of herring and sand lance. On land, they waddle with a comical gait, yet despite their somewhat awkward movements, their agility in the air and water is nothing short of astonishing.

One of the most remarkable sights is watching puffins engage in their social rituals—billing (a form of affectionate beak-tapping between mates), territorial squabbles, and their signature head-tilting behavior that seems to convey curiosity. These birds are monogamous, often returning to the same burrow year after year with the same partner.

The Disputed Island: A Centuries-Old Question of Sovereignty

While Machias Seal Island is a sanctuary for seabirds, it is also at the center of a long-standing territorial dispute between the United States and Canada. Both nations claim sovereignty over the island and the surrounding waters, making it one of the last unresolved border disputes between the two countries.

The island has been under Canadian administration for over a century, with the Canadian Coast Guard maintaining the Machias Seal Island Lighthouse since the late 1800s. However, the United States also lays claim to the island, citing historical treaties and territorial rights. The surrounding waters, known as the "Grey Zone," are a frequent source of tension, particularly among lobstermen from both nations vying for access to rich fishing grounds. Despite the dispute, the island remains a peaceful, wildlife-rich haven, with Canada overseeing the research and conservation efforts that protect its puffin colony.

The Journey Back: Reflections

For those seeking an extraordinary wildlife experience, a trip to Machias Seal Island is unparalleled—a rare opportunity to step into the world of puffins, where the wild Atlantic meets your camera lens. Be sure to check out my 'Puffins in Maine' Workshop for more information!