Puffin near Machias Seal Island (2011)
This sea bird with a colorful bill lives year round near the coast of Washington and eastern Hancock counties.
The largest concentration of puffins is at Machias Seal Island, off shore from Cutler in Washington County. The island is claimed by Canada.
At twelve inches tall, the birds seem tiny in the water among the many other sea birds at Machias Seal Island. Their distinctive beaks and orange legs make them easy to identify. During the winter they move away from shore going out to sea for the duration. 
Puffins at Machias Seal Island (2011)
Machias Seal Island (2011)