Machias Seal Island / Three Northern Gannets

Machias Seal Island is home to thousands of Atlantic puffins, razorbills, common murres, and Atlantic terns. During my visit on June 9, 2026, I observed three northern gannets away from their established gannet colony: one lone bird, and a pair actively carrying seaweed, and building a nest.

I left the island with more questions than answers. Why where these gannets here? Will they return next season? I hope to better understand these observations after meeting with biologist and through continued observation.