Guest guest Posted July 9, 2002 Share Posted July 9, 2002 Over the past long weekend a group of us kayaked and camped on one of the many islands in Muscongus Bay, Maine. Six of us had delightful four days of great paddling. The high point of the trip was the paddle to Eastern Egg Rock Island to see the Puffins. And the puffins are doing very well this year! Eastern Egg Rock is 4 mi. south of Black Island, two past Franklin light or about 10 knots from the Medomak Town landing, the last 4 are open ocean. This week is the height of the Puffin season. This year there are 36 nestings. We were not disappointed. Atlantic Puffins, are colorful and a delight to observe and were seemly so happy that we paid them a visit. We saw about 25 or so and got great photo's. In addition a few provided a real treat reveal their customary carousel flight pattern above the island and directly over our kayaks many flew! Puffins stand about 12 inches, have chunky bodies black-white, web feet, and have fat reddish bills; hence people coined them the "sea parrots." Many find them also similar to penguins, but more adorable. Eastern Egg Rock is only one of five locations off the northern New England coast where Puffins are reported to nest. The Island is bird refuge and at least 75 yards viewing distance from the Rock is recommended. Besides even in moderate conditions, a good surf breaks on three sides of the island, which should help one to maintain a sufficient viewing distance. Charles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard N Posted July 4, 2005 Share Posted July 4, 2005 Charles: Excellent trip report. And, with all due respect, a correction should be made to the common error of using "knots" to define distance. >"Eastern Egg Rock is 4 mi. south of Black Island, two past Franklin light or about 10 knots from the Medomak Town landing, the last 4 are open ocean."< A "knot" is actually a unit of speed (nautical miles per hour) and is not a measure of distance. The term "Knot(s)" is derived from the use of a log line used by sailers to determine speed through the water. A "nautical mile" (distance) may be abbreviated to nmi, naut mi or NM. Knots, (nautical miles per hour) is often abbreviated to kn(s). or kt(s). Nautical miles per hour (speed) may also be abbreviated to NMPH, naut mph, etc.. Distance should be stated as "miles" and appropriately qualified as being "nautical" or "statute". Something else to note: When you see a speed limit sign on inland water (harbors, rivers, etc.), it is always in "statute" MPH. Go figure! Richard N Living to learn. Romany, White with Blue trim Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wayne Smith Posted July 17, 2005 Share Posted July 17, 2005 We paddled out of Friendship over to Eastern Egg Rock & back. Saw about a dozen puffins, several of which swam right past our boats. We also were accompanied by harbor porpoises on both the way out & back. Seas were almost flat & very little wind, so we made great time getting there & back. Stopped on Black Is on both legs to stretch/eat. Great day! Wayne Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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