I have visited Machias Seal Island twice; once in 1991 and again a few years later.  Back then a 70-some-odd year old Barna Norton, and his son John, would take a handful of people on the two-hour cruise out to the island.  We departed from Jonesport Harbor in the early morning hours so we could arrive on the island before the birds got "hot feet" and abandoned the rocky island for the frigid waters, where they would spend the afternoon bobbing out of range of the blinds that were strategically placed on the island.

As we came ashore, hundreds of Puffins fled the tiny rock of an island for the safety of the ocean.  Arctic Terns protecting their nests in the grassy area between the boat landing and the blinds, squawked and aggressively dove at our heads.  Once we were situated in the blinds, and the perceived threat was out of sight, the Puffins gradually returned and perched upon the nearby rocks where they made their nests, sometimes carrying a beakful of small fish to feed their chicks that were hidden in the cracks and crevasses.  Before long, we were surrounded by them.  Dozens perched nearby, as if posing for the cameras.  From time to time, we could hear them padding about on the top of the wooden blinds.

It was invigorating being so close to these birds, and in such abundance.  The only regret is that it was over much too quickly.