[Maine-birds] Tufted Puffin search, Sunday afternoon - space available.

Hi all,

A small group of co-conspirators and I have been working on a chase of the Machias Seal Island Tufted Puffin. Sporadic reports, busy schedules, and high seas on previously-available days has prevented us from making a run so far.

However, we are planning a trip on SUNDAY, and I do have some space available.  We'll be traveling out with Andy Patterson of Bold Coast Charters out of Cutler at 1:30pm (his regular, morning tours are full through early August), and returning in 3-4 hours. We will NOT have the opportunity to land on MSI (landings are only permitted once daily to minimize disturbance to the breeding seabirds), but we will ply the waters around the island for the puffin (and Atlantic Puffin, Common Murre, Razorbill, Arctic Tern, etc). 

The TUPU is not being seen regularly, so there are no promises, but Andy is game for a try. The trip will cost $65-$115 per person, depending on how many people we get (max 18 - I need 18 to get it down to $65).  This is not a tour (I will be paying the same rate as you), just a ride out to the island's waters and as many eyes searching as possible.

Please let me know if you are definitely interested, and I will add you to the list. I need certainties right now to make sure we hit a critical mass. Andy and I will make a decision as early as possible on Saturday and I will get in touch with you all ASAP. The exact track and strength of Hurricane Arthur will dictate how soon high swells settle down, and whether or not we can make the trip - it might be as low as a 50/50 chance it will run right now.

Then, you'll need to bring a check with you for the boat (and we'll fill it out there depending on the number of people who can make it).

So, that's all I have for now. So, who's up for a chase?

-Derek

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Derek and Jeannette Lovitch
Freeport Wild Bird Supply
541 Route One, Suite 10
Freeport, ME 04069
207-865-6000
www.freeportwildbirdsupply.com

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