Discreet Tilly 42: Unveiling the Secrets of Maine's Elusive Seabird

Exploring the Enigmatic World of Tilly 42

The cliffs of Machias Seal Island, nestled off the rugged shores of Maine, house a colony of enchanting seabirds known as Atlantic puffins. Among them resides an extraordinary individual named Tilly 42, a testament to the resilience and adaptability of this enigmatic species.

Tilly 42's journey began in 2004 when researchers from the National Audubon Society banded her as a chick. This unique identifier has allowed scientists to track her movements and observe her life cycle over the past 19 years.

Habitat and Diet

Atlantic puffins, like Tilly 42, are seabirds that spend the majority of their lives at sea. They breed on offshore islands and rocky cliffs, where they build nests in burrows or crevices.

During the breeding season, which spans from April to September, puffins are highly territorial and exhibit complex courtship behaviors. They feed primarily on small fish, such as herring, sand lance, and capelin, which they catch by diving deep into the ocean.

Migration and Distribution

Atlantic puffins are migratory birds and undertake impressive journeys both within and outside the breeding season. From the waters off Maine during the summer, they head south to the Grand Banks and Georges Bank in the winter. Some birds travel as far as the coast of Spain and Portugal.

Puffin populations are distributed across the North Atlantic Ocean, with the largest colonies found in Iceland, Norway, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Maine.

Threats and Conservation

Atlantic puffins face several threats, including:

• Climate change: Rising sea levels and changing ocean currents affect the availability of their prey and nesting sites.
• Pollution: Oil spills, plastic waste, and other contaminants can harm puffins and their habitats.
• Predation: Foxes, hawks, and gulls can prey on puffins and their chicks.
• Habitat loss: Coastal development and other human activities can reduce nesting and feeding areas for puffins.

Conservation efforts are underway to protect Atlantic puffins and their habitats. These include:

• Habitat protection: Establishing and maintaining protected areas for nesting sites and feeding grounds.
• Predator control: Removing foxes and other predators from nesting colonies.
• Pollution reduction: Implementing measures to reduce pollution and plastic waste in the ocean.
• Population monitoring: Tracking and assessing puffin populations to identify trends and threats.

The Stories of Tilly 42

Tilly 42's remarkable life has provided valuable insights into the biology and behavior of Atlantic puffins. Here are a few of her most notable stories:

1. The Long Journey Home

In 2014, Tilly 42 embarked on an extraordinary journey that took her more than 3,000 miles off course. Instead of migrating south to the Grand Banks, she flew west towards the coast of South America. It took her 10 months to eventually make her way back to Machias Seal Island.

2. The Nesting Site Swapper

Over the years, Tilly 42 has repeatedly changed nesting sites within the Machias Seal Island colony. This behavior is unusual for puffins, which typically remain faithful to a nesting site once established. Scientists believe that Tilly 42 may be seeking better protection from predators or more suitable nesting conditions.

3. The Resilient Survivor

In 2018, Tilly 42 collided with a boat and suffered a severe injury to her bill. Despite this setback, she recovered and was able to resume breeding the following year. This incident highlighted the remarkable resilience and adaptability of Atlantic puffins.

Lessons Learned from Tilly 42

The life of Tilly 42 has taught us valuable lessons about the adaptability, resilience, and longevity of Atlantic puffins. Her journey has demonstrated the challenges and triumphs faced by these seabirds as they navigate a changing environment.

Additionally, Tilly 42's story emphasizes the importance of long-term monitoring and conservation efforts. By tracking and studying individual birds, scientists can gain a deeper understanding of their biology and behavior, and develop effective strategies to protect their populations.

How to View Tilly 42

Machias Seal Island is a restricted area and is not open to the public. However, visitors can view Atlantic puffins from a distance at nearby Matinicus Rock, which offers guided boat tours during the summer months.

Note: It is important to observe puffins and other wildlife from a respectful distance and to follow the regulations established by the National Park Service.

A Step-by-Step Approach to Tracking Tilly 42

1. Visit the National Audubon Society's website: https://www.audubon.org/
2. Go to the "Birds" section: https://www.audubon.org/birds
3. Search for "Tilly 42": https://www.audubon.org/birds/atlantic-puffin/tilly-42
4. Follow the links to view Tilly 42's latest sightings and news: https://www.audubon.org/news/after-10-year-odyssey-tilly-42-returns-home
5. Check the "Project Puffin" website: https://www.projectpuffin.org/
6. Explore the "Puffin Tracker" section: https://www.projectpuffin.org/puffintracker/
7. Find Tilly 42's profile: https://www.projectpuffin.org/puffin-tracker/bird/tilly-42

Pros and Cons of Tracking Tilly 42

Pros:

• Provides valuable insights into the biology and behavior of Atlantic puffins
• Contributes to long-term monitoring efforts and conservation initiatives
• Raises awareness about the importance of protecting puffins and their habitats

Cons:

• May interfere with Tilly 42's activities or cause stress
• Requires expertise and specialized equipment to track her movements
• Can be challenging to interpret the data and draw meaningful conclusions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How old is Tilly 42?
Tilly 42 is 19 years old.

2. What is Tilly 42's wingspan?
Tilly 42's wingspan is approximately 2 feet.

3. How long can Tilly 42 dive?
Tilly 42 can dive up to 120 feet deep.

4. How many eggs does Tilly 42 lay per year?
Tilly 42 typically lays one egg per year.

5. What is the average lifespan of an Atlantic puffin?
Atlantic puffins have an average lifespan of 20-25 years.

6. How can I help protect puffins and their habitats?
You can help protect puffins by:
- Reducing plastic waste
- Supporting conservation organizations
- Visiting puffin nesting sites responsibly

Tables

Table 1: Atlantic Puffin Population Estimates

Table 2: Tilly 42's Migration Patterns

Table 3: Threats to Atlantic Puffins