Peak hatch comes in waves, and island research teams are reporting that “Wave Two” is well underway. With more fuzzy chicks being found each day, island teams are monitoring what they eat and how well they’re growing. Hake, Sandlance, and Smelt were all reported in tern feeding studies this week, and the chicks that hatched in “Wave One” are growing nice and chunky. The Pond Island NWR team was inspired by the weekend’s wacky weather, naming recently banded chicks “Gale” and “Small Craft Advisory.” On Seal Island, some Razorbills have graduated from chicks to fledgelings.

International Guillemot Appreciation Day

For 33 years, Seabird Institute staff have been celebrating this underappreciated alcid on June 27. Hog Island campers observed the holiday during last week’s lobster dinner by dressing up in black and adding white patches to the sleeves of their shirts and attaching little red feet to their shoes. Our sanctuary management team challenged each research island to create a guillemot-themed pilot episode or movie trailer for the coveted International Guillemot Appreciation Day trophy. Winners of this year’s challenge will be announced in August at the Gulf of Maine Seabirds Working Group (GOMSWG) meeting.

Introducing Burfle!

Over 300 votes have been tallied, and the results are in. This year’s explore.org puffling’s name is Burfle! The name Burfle is inspired by a campfire game that has been passed down through generations. It’s a communal scavenger game inviting players to work together, have fun, and explore their environment. Burfle is already two weeks old, and cam viewers enjoy watching as the chick starts to flap its wings. Catch a glimpse of this beloved bird on the explore.org puffin burrow cam!

Programming at the PPVC

Education and outreach staff at the Project Puffin Visitor Center look forward to welcoming participants of all ages when public programming resumes in July!  “Wings and Things” offers hands-on activities that teach kids about bird identification, seabird adaptations, light pollution, and more. The Wednesday Night Lecture Series kicks off next Wednesday with rotating speakers on a range of topics, including the history of Project Puffin, seabird migration, and bird cams. See all upcoming programs and events.