Razorbills by Arthur Morris Nothing can round out a Top Ten list like a pair of Alcids. Coming in at number three are the Razorbill and the Black Guillemot. I went to Maine in May to see my dear friend Rupp and also to see the puffins. I was stoked at the idea of puffin colonies but I didn't relaly have razorbills or guillemots on the radar until a little further research was done. I knew that I would likely see Common Eiders and Black Guillemots but really the Razorbill would be found only if lucky since spring was approaching at the Razorbills would recede back into the northern waters of the Atlantic. So imagine my surprise when I got both of them on my puffin trip in Maine.
Razorbills are large auks that live in the coldest regions of the Atlantic Ocean but during winter they will come as far south as New Jersey. From the top of my puffin boat I spots that distinctive bill. We had whole rafts of them on our way out to Eastern Egg Rock. The Black Guillemot is closely related to the Razorbill but I will admit not quite as impressive. Despite this, I couldn't leave it off my Top Ten list so the two cousins will have to share the title. The guillemot lifer look was just as spectacular mostly because I saw it BEFORE our boat trip left the dock. We were waiting in the cold, with every piece of clothing we brought with us. Rupp and I were quite comical with our scarves and hats and layers of clothing but we were walking around staying warm when we saw the bird in the harbor only feet away. Later we would see large numbers of guillemot but you don't forget the first.
All in all, I had a great time in Maine and it won't be the last mention of this great state on our way to the number one spot. If you want to see guillemots, Razorbills, and puffins I would suggest Hardy Boat Cruises. They were so friendly and the price was perfect for a low budget birder like myself.
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