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Loons and puffins
May 16, 2018 11:03:12   #
GregWCIL Loc: Illinois
 
Heading to Maine and vicinity late June to mid-July. Top of my wildlife bucket list for this trip is loons. Any suggestions on Lakes and/or guided tours that would increase my odds? Also hope to photograph puffins. I've photographed them before but would like to get closer. Unfortunately the tours which actually land on Machias Seal Island are all booked (unless I'm willing to just cruise around the islands on the boat.)
Any and all other wildlife such as moose and bear are also on my list, but in this forum I thought I'd better limit it to birds. Thanks all. Have a great day.

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May 16, 2018 11:19:54   #
Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington
 
You might want to contact Audobon, Maine chapter:

https://www.maineaudubon.org/

The years I spent on Maine lakes growing up and in my '20's, there was usually only a single pair of loons per small (sometimes remote) pond, and most definitely not in areas where there were a lot of tourists or tours.

Another possible resource, if only to ask questions, is the pro guide association:

http://www.maineguides.org/

If you have time to search for moose, check into Greenville/Moosehead Lake info.

Moose certainly aren't only in that area - heck, they were known to find their way into downtown Bangor more than once, lol - but you'll get ideas. Time of day is important, and there are many old (and not so old) logging roads where they enjoy feeding.

Baxter State Park is super also.

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May 16, 2018 11:27:26   #
GregWCIL Loc: Illinois
 
Linda From Maine wrote:
You might want to contact Audobon, Maine chapter:

https://www.maineaudubon.org/

The years I spent on Maine lakes growing up and in my '20's, there was usually only a single pair of loons per small (sometimes remote) pond, and most definitely not in areas where there were a lot of tourists or tours.

Another possible resource, if only to ask questions, is the pro guide association:

http://www.maineguides.org/

If you have time to search for moose, check into Greenville/Moosehead Lake info.

Moose certainly aren't only in that area - heck, they were known to find their way into downtown Bangor more than once, lol - but you'll get ideas. Time of day is important, and there are many old (and not so old) logging roads where they enjoy feeding.

Baxter State Park is super also.
You might want to contact Audobon, Maine chapter: ... (show quote)


Good advise, Linda. Thanks. I'll check with the Audubon society and maineguides.

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May 17, 2018 06:45:20   #
capmike Loc: New Bern, NC
 
We were there in July last year, and went early morning to Jordan Pond, goal, Loons. Saw lots of interesting critters, lovely shots of the Bubbles, and when we were had almost finished our walk completely around the pond, there they were, a beautiful pair of Loons. We also went on the boat to Seal Island on the boat. Unforgettable experience. We Left Machias in dense fog, all the way out to the island. I was most disappointed, thought my pictures would be crap. In the hide, the puffins and razorbills were so close you could have reached out and put one in your pocket. Wonderful photos. Get on the waiting list, people regularly cancel. People also book a couple days in a row, just in case, and cancel the back up tour after getting out on an earlier one.

Here’s a couple pics.

CM









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May 17, 2018 06:47:56   #
sb Loc: Florida's East Coast
 
Loons are hard - they will be nesting and they can't nest well on the shores of the larger lakes that allow motor boats (the wake destroys their nests). You might find them in some of the sheltered bays such as Cobscook Bay. I don't know of any tours, though. The puffin trips fill up fast - you can always check for cancellations. The one from Cutler Harbor is fantastic - but gatting on Machias Seal Island depends on the weather - if the seas are choppy they can't take you in the little dingy to the ramp.

My trip:
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-370990-1.html

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