Explore Seabirds & Puffin Conservation on the Maine Coast

Our small group will be led by veteran birder and author, Peter Alden, with a special guest "Puffin Pete" Salmansohn. We begin in Rockland, ME, an historic and vibrant city located in the heart of Midcoast Maine. Meet our group at The Project Puffin Visitor Center for an informal visit of the exhibits. The center celebrates the success of Project Puffin in bringing Atlantic Puffins and other seabirds back to their historic nesting islands in the Gulf of Maine.

At the visitor center we are treated to a reception and lecture by Dr. Steve Kress, founder of Project Puffin, about the story of how young naturalists helped to restore puffins and other seabirds. The work of Project Puffin also inspired groups from around the world to help other seabirds return to their native homes. This evening we have an optional group dinner then overnight at the nearby Trade Winds Inn.

The next morning, after a breakfast at the nearby Rockland Cafe , depart at 7:45 am for a birdwatching excursion to Weskeag Marsh in nearby South Thomaston, one of Maine's best birding marshes. Weskeag Marsh is noted for waders, waterfowl and shorebirds. Look for Greater Yellowlegs and Lesser Yellowlegs, egrets and herons. Continue to Port Clyde, a quaint seaside village, arriving at 10:00 am.

In Port Clyde, we meet up with our puffin guide, “Puffin Pete” Salmansohn. Pete is an environmental educator and former coordinator of the Seabird Restoration Program. He has guided hundreds of wildlife and puffin-watching cruises off the coast of Maine. Pete will give an informal talk on his experiences and what to expect on our puffin and nature cruise. We embark on the Laura B, a 65-foot historic vessel that ferry’s visitors to Monhegan Island year round.

We steam out of Port Clyde to view intriguing wildlife amid the stunningly beautiful seascapes that surround us. Our main destination is Eastern Egg Rock Island to see an Atlantic Puffin nesting site and a model for restoring seabird populations all over the world. We learn about Audubon’s Project Puffin and keep a lookout for other nature sightings as we circle the island (landing not permitted). Along the way, we hear expert commentary, including the area’s rich lobstering history and nature. After the two and a half hour cruise we return to Port Clyde to savor our rich experience and depart for home.

W hat's Included and What's Not - $225 price includes lectures and talks, private guides, overnight at Trade Winds Inn (shared; single room $100 extra), breakfast, Puffin and Seabird Cruise from Port Clyde, and lunch on board (choice of sandwiches and drinks). Price does not include dinner and ground transportation (carpooling options available). For questions, contact chris@sparkbirding.com.

Please Note: The boat trip portion of this trip is subject to weather conditions at the time. It may be cancelled due to sea or weather conditions. Every attempt will be made to reimburse participants from the cruise operator should this happen.