Landing puffins on Matinicus Rock by Stephen Kress. 

This post is from Ben Jones, director of education for Audubon Texas. Look for more of Ben’s blog posts in future months.

Some love the terns and others are into gulls, but when I’m dreaming of cooler climes, it’s all about the puffin. I’ve got a thing for chubby birds. Now admittedly, I’ve only seen puffins in books and on cereal boxes, but like many of you, I’ve always been fascinated. Who can resist a black and white football with stubby wings and bright orange feet?  They’re easy to like and I’m excited to share with you – everyone can now watch puffins live in High Definition at www.explore.org/birds. Go to the link called Puffin Loafing Ledge; that’s where they hang out with other birds.

Puffins are birds of the open ocean (pelagic) floating; diving and spending much of their lives far from land.  Lucky for us and thanks to Audubon and explore.org, all you need is a computer or mobile device to check out the amazing Atlantic Puffin.  See fledging and loafing. Learn about how puffins move and how they sound. Be inspired by their amazing comeback story and learn all about their return to Eastern Egg Island off the coast of Maine.

Like Whooping Crane and California Condor, Atlantic Puffin are a real success story with people working together to save a beautiful and fascinating bird.  By 1901, there was only one pair of Atlantic Puffin south of the Canadian border. Early “puffineers” lead by the puffin man himself, Dr. Steve Kress, came together to bring Atlantic Puffin back to the US. Be inspired from the comfort of your own nest at www.projectpuffin.org.

A warning – puffin watching can be addictive. Puffins have become the “water cooler” talk around here even in the heart of the Lone Star State. Take it slow and don’t let it take over your life – even mid-summer there’s more birding to do.

Let’s forge on, demonstrating that nothing will stop us from birding, not even triple digits. Then, take it easy. Slip inside and reward yourself. Pour a tall glass of iced sweet tea with me and let’s float off to the cool and beautiful north Atlantic to watch some puffin! www.explore.org/birds.