Earlier this week on Machias Seal Island, something extraordinary happened. Long-time researcher Daniel Oliker had a 33-year-old puffin, JG18, in his hands. This truly remarkable bird is a full ten years Oliker’s senior. Over its extensive life, it has definitely traversed parenthood’s ups and downs 25 times over! On this expert-led late-night research expedition, we learned about the puffins’ long lives and healthy diets in this magical Arctic paradise. The interaction developed as we moved through their territory.
Puffins don’t usually start breeding until they are about four or five years old, so JG18’s breeding history is impressive. Her presence is a testament to the amazing resilience of this extraordinary bird. Beyond its cultural value, it gives researchers key information necessary to understand population dynamics. Machias Seal Island is currently home to over 8,600 breeding pairs of puffins. This has created a breeding hotspot and an important place to study these iconic seabirds.
The Search for Longevity
Such a hunt for the venerable puffin, though, would take place on Oliker and his team’s late-night shift — around midnight. In the well-crafted burrows that act as nests where puffins roost after long days foraging on the ocean, they closely inspected each puffin nest. This after-dark expedition is a key pursuit for scientists hoping to learn more about puffin health and longevity.
Looking back on that expedition, Oliker was still able to vividly recount the moment he discovered JG18. He joked that he was a “little bit different” puffin on that particular island.
“Then I felt one that felt a little bit different, and it was in the right location that we marked so I pulled it out and it was the right guy.” – Daniel Oliker
Encountering returned, older puffins like JG18 provides us with important information about their lifespan. This is particularly critical in light of recent years’ declining adult survival rates. The extinction of puffins would be a tragic outcome for their species. It informs us of the broader ecological shifts occurring throughout the Gulf of Maine.
Challenges Faced by Puffins
Troubled times still lie ahead for puffins in New England. Climate change is the third biggest threat to Atlantic puffins, mainly due to its negative impacts on their prey. Ocean temperatures are changing, pushing species north and bringing new invasive fish to our waters. At the same time, traditional target food for puffins seems to be disappearing.
Among these was Oliker, who underscored the pressing need to figure out how these alterations will impact puffins’ survival as they increasingly rely on other food sources.
“New fish species are moving in to the warming waters, and other fish species — those traditionally eaten by puffins — are moving out. Whether or not puffins can adapt to eat the new fish species is a major question mark for their continued survival in the gulf.” – Daniel Oliker
It’s been a brutal year for puffins. They are desperate and starving, unable to locate adequate food to live. Oliker is undeterred and still optimistic even in the face of these challenges. He found a second chick with JG18 as well, which he said was a “good size” and a welcome surprise.
Insights from Experts
Heather Major, a marine biology professor and puffin researcher on Machias Seal Island. She stressed the importance of finding such a long-lived bird, particularly given the rapid warming climate of the area in recent years.
“(The finding of JG18) is important information given recent warming in the region.” – Heather Major
The results from their research could provide valuable insights into how puffins navigate shifting environmental conditions and what actions may be necessary to ensure their survival.
“It is very probable that this puffin, being so old, has experience and knows what it’s doing. So it’s been able to find a good burrow for its mate, himself and the egg, and then able to produce a chick.” – Daniel Oliker
The results from their research could provide valuable insights into how puffins navigate shifting environmental conditions and what actions may be necessary to ensure their survival.
