Pufflings fledge around the time they reach six weeks old. Burfle, this year’s explore.org burrow cam puffling, fledged from the burrow just a day shy of its six-week birthday. Burfle and other recently fledged pufflings will spend the next three to five years almost exclusively in the ocean, honing their foraging and social skills. Atlantic Puffins may begin prospecting when they’re around three years old. Prospecting is when puffins first return to nesting colonies to scope out the neighborhoods and decide where they want to lay down roots when they’re old enough to nest, around 5, 6, or even 7 years of age.

Family Fun-Filled Programming on Hog Island

Family Camp is a trademark of July on Hog Island. For the past two weeks, campers of all ages have brought their excitement, curiosity, and creativity to build a wonderful community for each session. Exploring ponds, meadows, wetlands and the intertidal zone is always a favorite activity for budding young naturalists. Participants were also able to flex their creative muscles with workshops in cyanotype printing, natural dying, and basketry. As is Family Camp tradition, each night was filled with music thanks to the Family Camp Band!

Island Introductions

Jenny Island in Casco Bay is a small, 3-acre island. Restoration on the island since 1991 has helped this tern population rise above predatory Great Horned Owls, Black-crowned Night Herons, and American Mink. “I’ve worked with birds all over the world. I looove watching Jenny’s fledglings figure out how to use their wings,” said island supervisor, Margaret Jensen. On such a small island, it can be hard to keep the birds out of your business. Leah Volak, research assistant, has had a blast getting to know all of the camp terns and babies constantly flying overhead. Watch your hat! 

Aptly named due to the small pond located at the island’s center, Pond Island NWR is a 10-acre island at the mouth of the Kennebec River in Georgetown, Maine. Complete with a sandy beach, it’s a little paradise for the small research team stewarding the island’s tern colony. Restoration efforts began on the island in 1996. “With every seabird island comes a stage on which the story of the season unfolds. I’ve found that this year, truly living in the [center of a] bird colony helped me further appreciate watching the island transform over the season,” said Juliana Ramirez, island supervisor. Research assistant, Tori Smith, similarly commented that the terns have helped her hone research skills while working on a unique project.