Machias Seal Island, claimed both by the United States and Canada, is a small barren stretch of rock that is an important seabird breeding site. Two tour boat companies provide half-day summer trips to the island from coastal Maine towns, and, weather permitting, landings for up to 30 visitors per day are allowed.
Machias Seal Island between Maine and New Brunswick
Situated about half way between Cutler, Maine, and Grand Manan Island, New Brunswick, Machias Seal Island is an unimposing and treeless 20-acre island of broken rock and scrub brush. Seabirds, however, are drawn to this refuge to mate and nest, and the island is an important sanctuary for Atlantic Puffins, Arctic Terns, Common Terns, Razorbills, Common Murres, Black Guillemots and Common Eiders. In addition, the island draws migrating warblers, sparrows and other non-water birds.
Ambiguous boundary definitions dating back to the end of the American Revolutionary War have resulted in conflicting claims to the island by both the United States and Canada. The island is too small and sensitive to support residents, but the Canadian Coast Guard has maintained a lighthouse here since 1832, and the only territorial signs on the island are those of Canada. The island is also protected as a wildlife and seabird sanctuary, Machias Seal Island Migratory Bird Sanctuary, which is managed by the Canadian Wildlife Service. A passport is not required to visit the island.
Two tour boats provide access to the island from Maine, beginning in May and lasting through August. Norton of Jonesport is less remote than the Bold Coast Charter Company in Cutler, although the Cutler tour involves a shorter boat ride to the island.
The Bold Coast Charter Company Trip to Machias Seal Island
Captain Andrew (Andy) Patterson takes about a dozen visitors aboard his 40-foot Barbara Frost, a customized Coast Guard inspected tour vessel that includes a heated enclosed area and restroom, as well as an open viewing deck. He tows a smaller skiff on the one-hour, ten mile trip, which is used to ferry passengers to the rustic (and sometimes slippery) wharf on the island. Seas in this area can be rough, and there are times when island landings are not possible. Most of the island's birds can be observed from the boat, but that experience is no match for viewing the birds from the island's blinds.
Upon landing, Andy and his passengers are met by members of the lighthouse staff, and led to a central deck along designated pathways. A small outhouse is the only facility available to visitors. The group is separated into smaller units, and then led to small wooden blinds which are strategically positioned around the island. Each blind has limited space for up to four persons. There is no place to sit, and there are small unscreened wooden shutter-windows on all four sides that can be hooked open for unobstructed views. Birds surround the blinds, perch on top of the blinds and on rocks that are less than five feet from the windows. Atlantic Puffins in breeding plumage, Razorbills and courting Arctic Terns all present incredible photographic opportunities. In addition, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow Warblers and Savannah Sparrows can be seen in the surrounding brush. Guests are allowed to remain in the blinds for an hour or more, but are not allowed to return once they leave.
Andy is extremely knowledgable about the island's birds, as well as those seen in Cutler Harbor and along the ten mile trip. The round trip lasts approximately five hours, and the cost per person is about one hundred dollars. Passengers should wear layered warm clothing, sturdy footwear and raingear. A good hat, sunscreen, camera, binoculars, lunch or snacks and water are also suggested.
Birding Machias Seal Island by Boat
Maine is a bountiful destination for birders, especially in late spring and summer. More than 300 species can be found in the state, including 35 wood warblers alone. The Down East section of Maine, which hosts the annual Down East Birding Festival, is one of the premier birding areas. Machias Seal Island is accessed from Down East, and a half-day boat trip to the island is one of the most memorable birding experiences available.
Bob Bowers - A lifelong naturalist and amateur ornithologist, Bob's avocation is studying, photographing and writing about birds.
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