After making it through a very long winter, we are excited to be back on the water and eager to see what the 2011 season has in store for us. Trips started going out on Friday May 27th, which was a great way to start the Memorial Day weekend. Mother nature worked with us a bit this weekend, but foggy conditions made looking for whales difficult. However, our visits to the puffin nesting island, Petit Manan, were successful. The puffins are back and their numbers are doing well so far. Offshore we were happy to see many different pelagic birds, including northern gannets, greater shearwaters, Leach's storm petrel, northern fulmars, and phalaropes.Seeing many birds is always a good sign. Birds as well as whales a important environmental indicators. They help us understand what is going on below the surface, where we are unable to see, unless we happen to see something on our fish finder.
There were thousands of phalaropes at Mount Desert Rock. This is a small offshore island, home to Allied Whale's research station, the most remote lighthouse on the East coast, and hundreds of seals. We had the chance to check out the island this past weekend.
But we will not let the fog disappoint us! We have only just begun and it is early in the season. What makes whale watching an exciting experience is that every trip is different. Mother nature is always surprising us! So come join us on a trip! From June 2-5th, participants with the Acadia Birding Festival will be join us on the whale watch. To learn more about the Acadia Birding Festival visit: http://www.acadiabirdingfestival.com/
Look forward to seeing you!
