Join Maine Audubon to See Atlantic Puffins This Summer—Morning, Noon and Night

NEW HARBOR AND BREMEN, Maine, June 26, 2008—It was Audubon scientists who helped Atlantic puffins mount their comeback in Maine—the only state now where they can be found—and it is Maine Audubon that offers great cruises to see these birds all summer long.

The Atlantic puffin has become one of the Maine coast’s most celebrated icons—a remarkable accomplishment for a species nearly wiped out from the state a century ago. Its resurgence is testament to the dedication of Audubon biologists who have been leading the way in reestablishing Maine’s seabird colonies, including Eastern Egg Rock at the mouth of Muscongus Bay.

This summer, Maine Audubon is offering several different cruises to see these colorful, charismatic birds and to learn more about their conservation firsthand.

Sunset Puffin Cruises

Recognized environmental educator and award-winning author Pete Salmansohn—who has long been involved with Audubon’s work to restore puffins to Maine—leads this popular evening boat ride. Sailing out of New Harbor to Eastern Egg Rock, we’ll circle the island for great views of puffins, terns and other seabirds. A pass by the lighthouse at Pemaquid Point at sunset will combine birding with a lovely summer evening on the Maine coast.

Cruise runs from 7-9 p.m. on Thursday, July 10, Saturday, July 19, and Wednesday, July 30; $28/Maine Audubon members, $35/nonmembers.

Morning Puffin Tours

Join us for a morning excursion to Eastern Egg Rock aboard Maine Audubon’s Puffin V touring boat. Listen to a naturalist’s commentary while you search for bald eagle and osprey nests, pass harbor seals hauled out on ledges and cruise around the active colony of Atlantic puffins and other seabirds.

This cruise leaves from the Todd Audubon Sanctuary boat dock in Bremen, and runs between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, June 29, and Saturdays, July 26 and August 23; $25/Maine Audubon member, $30/nonmember.

Members-only Puffin Cruise

Maine Audubon and the staff at Hog Island Audubon Center want to thank our members by inviting them on a narrated cruise to see puffins and other seabirds and marine life off the coast of Hog Island—at a discounted price.

Leaving from the Todd Audubon Sanctuary boat dock in Bremen, this cruise goes from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 5; $15/Maine Audubon members.

Advance registration is necessary for all cruises. For details or to register, please call (207) 781-2330, ext. 215.

MAINE AUDUBON works to conserve Maine’s wildlife and wildlife habitat by engaging people of all ages in education, conservation and action. For more than 160 years, Maine Audubon has been connecting people with nature and leading science-based conservation in major projects across the state. An independent affiliate of Audubon’s national organization, Maine Audubon has seven local chapters, 11 nature centers and sanctuaries, and 11,000 members and supporters.

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