Puffin Rest Rock in Rockland, Maine — Live Webcam

Atlantic Puffin Colony off the Coast of Maine

In the northeastern United States, in the state of Maine, where the cold waters of the gulf meet rocky islands, lies one of the region's most amazing natural attractions — a colony of Atlantic puffins. These seabirds with their distinctive bright beaks and black-and-white plumage have become a symbol of a successful conservation project that has been ongoing for several decades. A webcam installed in Rockland allows you to observe the lives of these birds in real time without leaving your home.

Atlantic Puffin — A Seabird with a Bright Beak

The Atlantic puffin, or Atlantic puffin (Fratercula arctica), is a small seabird from the auk family, recognizable by its unusual appearance. Adults have contrasting black-and-white plumage, and their main adornment is a massive bright orange-red beak with blue and yellow markings. During the breeding season, the beak takes on a particularly rich color, which fades by winter. Puffins are excellent swimmers and divers, using their wings to move underwater, and can hold their breath for up to a minute while chasing small fish.

Population Recovery Project

The history of Atlantic puffins in the Gulf of Maine is a story of near-complete destruction and triumphant return. By the early 20th century, hunting birds for meat and feathers led to only two nesting colonies remaining on the islands of Maine. In 1973, ornithologist Stephen W. Kress from the National Audubon Society initiated Project Puffin — a large-scale program to restore the puffin population at historical nesting sites. The method was simple and ingenious: puffin chicks were transported from large colonies in Newfoundland and released on the islands of Maine where birds once nested. To make the chicks "imprint" on the new location, decoys of adult birds and recordings of their voices were used. The results exceeded all expectations: today there are 5 active Atlantic puffin colonies in the Gulf of Maine, and the total number of breeding pairs is in the thousands.

Seal Island — The Largest Colony in the Gulf of Maine

One of the key places for observing puffins is Seal Island National Wildlife Refuge — a national wildlife refuge located approximately 32 kilometers off the coast. This small rocky island has become home to one of the largest Atlantic puffin colonies in the region. In addition to puffins, razorbills, Arctic terns, and other seabirds nest here. The island is closed to free visitation, providing the birds with a peaceful environment for breeding. This is where the cameras of the Project Puffin project are aimed, the broadcast from which is available in Rockland and online.

Rockland — Gateway to the World of Puffins

The city of Rockland, located on the coast of Penobscot Bay, has become the unofficial capital of Atlantic puffins in the United States. Here is the Project Puffin Visitor Center — the project's visitor center, located at 311 Main Street in the heart of the city. At the center, you can see a live video feed from the islands where puffins nest, learn about the biology of these birds and the history of their rescue, and participate in educational programs. Rockland also serves as a starting point for sea excursions to the islands where you can see puffins in their natural habitat.

What You Can See on the Camera

The webcam in question shows a rocky cliff — a resting place for Atlantic puffins. In the frame, you can observe the birds sitting on rocks, preening their feathers, communicating with each other, and taking flight over the water. The close-up view allows you to see the characteristic details: the bright orange-red beak, black-and-white plumage, and orange feet. The broadcast is from a puffin nesting site on a coastal cliff, providing a rare opportunity to see these birds in their natural habitat without disturbing their peace. The online camera operates in real time, allowing you to observe the life of the colony at any time of day.