Gary Herritz: Travel with Birdfy Episode 1 - The "Flying Penguins"

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    For as long as I've known the Atlantic Puffin existed, I've wanted to experience one in real life. I thought there is no earthly way they look like the photographs I've seen. In short: the Atlantic Puffin in breeding plumage looks like a serious little bird who showed up to a costume party dressed as a diplomat, radiating both dignity and absurdity in equal measure.

    Travel with Birdfy BLOG 1 June 2025 - The Flying Penguins

    But my reasons were much deeper than just how they appear. My background is rooted in conservation and Atlantic Puffins were nearly wiped out from Maine by the late 1800s due to hunting. In the 1970s, Project Puffin, led by Dr. Stephen Kress, began restoring colonies using chick transplants, decoys, and audio playbacks. Today, puffins are breeding again on several Maine islands, a seabird conservation success, though climate change and food shortages remain threats.

    Eastern Egg Rock

    Eastern Egg Rock is one of those islands, and that is where I was headed. The trip I chose ran out of Boothbay Harbor, Maine and a portion of the price went directly to Audubon's Project Puffin. A staff member from Audubon was on the boat, telling us about the birds and their story. On the way out, a young Northern Gannet flew around the boat. After 45 minutes or so, the island was in view. I should note that I went out on back to back days. The first day was very rainy with some wind, the second was sunny with a lot of wind but allowed me to bring my camera.

    Then it happened, two flew by. I was immediately shook by two things: how small they were and how fast they flew! On the first rainy day I only brought my phone and binoculars so I was able to enjoy the birds without worrying about trying to get that perfect Puffin photograph. I didn't really notice how cold and wet I was until about half-way back to the dock. I knew tomorrow, I would be warmer.

    the author

    On day two the skies had cleared but the front that brought the rain also brought wind. A high surf warning was in place. I had never been seasick on any of my pelagic trips, but was starting to wonder if today was the day. I had checked the settings on my camera several times on the trip out to make sure I was ready. A bonus Black Guillemot flew by before completely leaving the bay. By the time we arrived at Eastern Egg Rock, the ocean swells were very impressive. Stomach check? Still fine. I went on to take around 300 images of which my favorites have been included in this blog.

    the author

    There have been a few bird species that have made me feel like a different person after witnessing, the Atlantic Puffin is now firmly on that list. Not just for their dapper, yet goofy looks, but for what we've put them through as a species and now are doing to help them. Through continued conservation efforts like Project Puffin and early recognition of threats, the population will continue to grow and stabilize, allowing us to experience them long into the future. Happy Birding, everyone.

    Flying Penguins

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