Machias Seal Island is the most southern breeding site of the Atlantic Puffin. There are estimated to be three thousand breeding pairs of Puffins on the 15 acre island from May into early August. Razorbills and Common Murres are also present in large numbers. The Atlantic Puffin is ~12 inches tall and weighs only 1 pound. Puffins have a surprisingly long lifespan of up to 25 years. Puffins born on the island have the location imprinted in them. They return each year to the island and even to the same nesting site. Puffins do not build nests but burrow into the crevices in the rocks to raise their one chick. The chick stays in the burrow until it is ready to fledge. The parents take the chick to the ocean at night to minimize the chances of it being attacked by the ever present Sea Gulls.
The flower images were taken at the Franklin d. Roosevelt summer home on Campobello Island.