New for 2026,  “The Magic of Machias Seal Island Tour” took place on July 6^th and 7^th. I think we can say this new tour was a success.

After a welcome and strategy dinner on Sunday night, we met on the morning of the 6^th for a carpool from Machias to Cutler, where we boarded our boat to one of the most special places on the continent.

It could not have been a more perfect day. Mostly clear, glass calm, and a comfortable temperature rising from 60F to the low 70’s by the afternoon – an absolutely gorgeous day!

With such calm waters, the trip out to Machias Seal Island was delightful. We encountered lots of Wilson’s Storm-Petrels…

…and soon numbers of Razorbills, Common Murres, and Atlantic Puffins on the water. There were lots of Harbor Porpoise, and we even glimpsed a Minke Whale.

As we arrived in the vicinity of the island, an exceptional number of birds were in the water and surrounding the boat.

But following the safety-first procedures, we made our way to the island, and divided into groups. We chartered the boat for the tour but chose not to maximize the number of participants so we could all have a little more elbow-room in the blinds, especially with all of the long lenses in tow.

Words don’t really do the experience of being in the blinds on MSI justice, and while you all know I have words, I am going to simply let the photos do the talking.

But even on a beautiful day like this, life is tough out here. Without a permanent tern colony to mob predators, danger is always lurking, such as this Herring Gull

One blind on our tour witnessed such a thing, when a different Herring Gull grabbed a puffling out of its burrow, with the helpless adults unable to do a thing about it. At least it was quick.

After our allotted hour in the blind  – which feels like 5 minutes and forever at the same time, as time flies when you are having fun, but time also seems to stand still when fully immersed in the experience of being inches away from some of the most charismatic and entertaining birds in the world- we made our way back to the center of the island, where a couple of dozen Arctic Terns are trying to reestablish a colony, and enjoying other island denizens like Savannah Sparrow and Spotted Sandpiper.

Back on the boat, we took the traditional “victory lap” with such calm water and so, so many birds to look at. Photographers snapped away. Others sat back and enjoyed the show. I just tried to look at every single bird to find a rarity, like the famous Tufted Puffin.

During the entire ride back, we had more Wilson’s Storm-Petrels and alcids with us, until nearly within the confines of Cutler Harbor.

Now, as a guide, it’s hard to top that, but I at least tried to entertain folks for a little longer.  First, we visited the bog at Boot Head Preserve (heard a Palm Warbler and saw some of the more common warbler species in the woods), mostly to look at plants and the unique habitat.

Then, back in Machias, we strolled the section of the Downeast Sunrise Trail along the Machias River and eventually had some great looks at Nelson’s Sparrow, two likely-southbound-migrant Greater Yellowlegs, several fishing Ospreys, and a good show of Bald Eagles – including two youngsters branching about around the nest.

On our second morning, there were no expectations to top MSI, but we went birding anyway. Spruce Grouse was our goal, and although they are no longer seen often, if at all, at any of the regular places, I had a new secret spot trick up my sleeve.

I scouted it on Friday and found a dust bath with a Spruce Grouse feather.

Maybe I shouldn’t have taken my low-clearance hybrid as far in as I did, but I am glad, because a fairly short and easy walk yielded this:

Yup, she was heading right to the dust bath!

We birded the woods here and at Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge without encountering any other boreal species (heard one likely Bay-breasted Warbler, but that was it), so after another great lunch, this time at the famous Helen’s, we headed over to Lubec for some really productive birding.

At the overlook of The Bar, we had a migrant flock of 6 Least Sandpipers, perhaps just arriving from points north. Oversummering Arctic sea ducks included at least 6 White-winged and 3 Surf Scoters, along with about 10 Red-breasted Mergansers and plenty of Common Eiders of course. We sorted through the loafing gulls hoping for a rarity.

Based on their behavior when a Bald Eagle flew by, there is a pair of Northern Harriers nesting near Carrying Place Cove – an unexpected bonus. That was great to see.

Quoddy State Park did not disappoint, although even the several dozen Razorbills offshore were a little anti-climactic. They’re still nice to see from land, however. And a Red-throated Loon, very rare in summer, was an unexpected treat, as was a Laughing Gull, which is quite rare this far East, at least in mid-summer…for now.

And we walked to the bog. Because bogs.

Even on the drive back, the birding success continued. A Ruffed Grouse crossed the road with two chicks, and I was not shy about using my vehicle to assure them safe passage. Meanwhile, for those of us staying at The Bluebird Motel, we began each day with a Tennessee Warbler singing in the parking lot and finished up daylight with Common Nighthawks foraging overhead!

Oh yeah, and as usual on an FWBS/Derek Lovitch tour…we ate really, really well, wrapping things up with one last indulgent lunch at Helen’s.

I guess I don’t have to say that you’ll see this tour on the calendar next year…I have already confirmed it.