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Maine: Home to the Atlantic Puffin

And a Giveaway

By Kayt DeMerchant September 13, 2016
I’ve lived in Maine for over twenty years and have often seen the large-beaked, clown-faced, iconic Atlantic puffin on everything from the logos of Maine-based companies to tee-shirts and shot glasses in tourist shops along the coast — however, until recently I had never seen one in person. 

Then, Barbara’s — a sponsor of Macaroni Kid — asked if I would come visit Hog Island and Eastern Egg Rock Island, off the coast of Maine to learn more about the Audubon’s Project Puffin and Barbara’s new Wild Rewards program — both of which support the beautiful Atlantic puffin and their habitats.

Nearly a century ago, the Atlantic puffin had nearly disappeared from Maine. That is until Audubon biologists, lead by Dr. Stephen Kress, began Project Puffin in 1973. Dr. Kress remains the Director of Project Puffin for Audubon and I had the opportunity to spend considerable time with him during my visit to Eastern Egg Rock Island. I learned that Project Puffin was started in an effort to restore puffins in the islands in the Gulf of Maine and create educational programs so that others could learn about and love these sweet birds. Project Puffin began because the threat of oil spills and invasion of natural predators to puffins (namely minks and rats) put the species in serious distress of disappearing altogether from Maine. Even now, years later and with considerable effort put into creating safe habitats for puffins, the Atlantic Puffin remains a a threatened species in Maine.

It is why the experience of seeing puffins in person and learning about this unique bird is of utmost importance. Puffins in Maine can really only be seen via (very rare) private tours of islands with puffin habitats or from a bit more distance via Puffin Tours by boat. Visitors who do not have an opportunity to see puffins in person can still see and learn more about them from Audubon’s Live Cams and from Barbara’s brand new Wild Rewards Program. Barbara’s has been a long-time financial supporter of the Puffin Project and continues to engage and educate children and families about puffins via their Puffins cereal boxes and through their new Wild Rewards Program where families can learn about endangered and threatened animals and ways in which to conserve wildlife. Kids can earn points by playing games, watching videos and by eating Barbara’s cereals and redeeming UPC codes for prizes, including the opportunity to “adopt” a puffin or other endangered animal.

Families that find themselves on the coast of Maine are highly encouraged to take the opportunity to visit the amazing Atlantic Puffin in person by booking a boat tour and learning more about this incredible little bird. 

Barbara's hosted the author for a weekend press trip. Accommodations, meals and activities were complimentary. No other compensation was received in consideration of this article and all opinions are that of the writer.

Macaroni Kid Family Travel Giveaway - Win a Case of Barbara’s Puffins Cereal (your choice of flavor)  

Families have the opportunity to learn more about Atlantic Puffins on any box of Barbara’s Puffins cereal. Macaroni Kid readers have a chance to win a case of Barbara’s Puffins cereal in their choice of flavor. 

Click HERE to enter.  

RULES: 
This contest will run from Tuesday, September 13, 2016, through Monday, October 10, 2016, 11:59 PM EST. One winner will be selected from all eligible entries using random.org on Tuesday, October 11, 2016. Winner will be notified by email and will have 24 hours to claim the prize. If the prize is not claimed within 24 hours, an alternate winner will be chosen. You MUST be a subscriber and 18 or older to enter. If you are not a subscriber and enter the contest, you will be automatically subscribed. See complete Official Sweepstakes Rules HERE.
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