Visit Seabird Breeding Colonies

Seabirds spend 90% of their lives at sea. Some pelagic birders spend 100% of their time looking for seabirds at sea. They miss breeding activity which can be the most exotic and interesting of bird behaviors. After you have enjoyed watching these birds at sea the next step is to see them on the breeding grounds. Here are some places close to home you can visit in Maine, Canada and Newfoundland. For more distant colonies see Wandering Birder.

Seabirds have evolved to be efficient at sea. They are most vulnerable on the breeding grounds. Make sure you learn and follow all the rules to protect the breeding birds.

Colonies on east coast North America

Machias Seal Island Maine
Bird Island Cape Breton Island Nova Scotia
Witless Bay Newfoundland
Cape St. Mary Newfoundland
Bonaventure Island Gaspé Canada

Updates welcome. If you visit one of these colonies send an update and pictures. Especially need updates regarding rules, boat trips, and accommodations. Webmaster

Gannet Colony at Cape St. Mary

Location of Colonies on east coast North America

Coast of Maine
On the coast of Maine north of Bar Harbor in an area referred to as "Down East" by natives, is the small town of Machias which can serve as a jumping off spot to visit Machias Seal Island. You can also reach the island from Canada.

Cape Breton Island Nova Scotia
Bird Island is reached by boat from Cape Breton Island on the northern part of Nova Scotia.

Gaspé Peninsula - Bonaventure Island
The second largest Gannet Colony in the world is found on the Gaspé Peninsula which juts into the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Avalon Peninsula of Newfoundland
Cape St. Mary and the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve are located on the Avalon Peninsula of eastern Newfoundland.
This map shows the location of Witless Bay on the eastern coast of the Avalon Peninsula and Cape St. Mary on the south western point.