Once a year, long before humans inhabited it, Puffins, Razorbills, Common Murres, and other seabirds came to a small rocky island ten miles off the coast of Maine to have their young. Today, Machias Seal Island is shared for a few months each summer by Canadian researchers and the descendants of earlier seabird visitors. Two small boats, one each from Canada and the USA, are allowed to land each day during the breeding season if conditions permit. Passengers are treated to an hour or so in one of four blinds on the island where they can observe and photograph the birds which are literally everywhere.
Covid prevented landings during 2020, and the island opened for the 2021 season on June 1. The passengers on the first day were unable to land on the island due to rough seas, and the first landing of the season happened on June 2. Fortunately, I was on the US boat for 6/2 and 6/3.
Terrific set of photos, I had heard about Macias Isl. and was therefore interested to hear about your experience there. You certainly came away with some wonderful photos in just an hour. I take it that you would recommend a trip there?
dallvr wrote:
Terrific set of photos, I had heard about Macias Isl. and was therefore interested to hear about your experience there. You certainly came away with some wonderful photos in just an hour. I take it that you would recommend a trip there?
Definitely recommended. I believe all of the tours this year are sold out partially due to the backlog from last year's cancellations.
The Razorbills and Common Murres were abundant on the island. I saw several of the "Bridled" form (looks like they're wearing glasses) of the Murre and captured one overlooking the ocean.
A single Northern Gannet was working on a nest, maybe hoping for the arrival of a potential mate.
how sweet must the experience have been. so happy for you. I had to cancel my 2020 3 days booking and like an idiot, I did not leave the booking for 2021. Question for you, how many people does each blind contain?
voted for sure for the experience and the novelty of the subjects
kdacharya wrote:
how sweet must the experience have been. so happy for you. I had to cancel my 2020 3 days booking and like an idiot, I did not leave the booking for 2021. Question for you, how many people does each blind contain?
voted for sure for the experience and the novelty of the subjects
It was a great experience and one I'd recommend to anyone so inclined.
There are 4 blinds, and each holds 3 or 4 people. They are small but usable. At 6'5" I had trouble standing up in one of them and found leaning over to reach some of the openings awkward, especially after a while. I say only bring what you need into the blind; the rest can be safely left on the boat or at the landing site. Knee pads might be a good idea depending on your shooting style.
In years past, passengers used a deck built as part of the research station when not in the blind to relax and eat a meal or snack, but Covid concerns mandate that there be zero interaction between island residents and daily visitors. They don't want someone on the island to get sick and possibly cause an evacuation that would interrupt ongoing research/experiments.
I believe we had 12 people each day on the boat and am not sure if those are regular numbers or slightly lower due to Covid restrictions.
