ASSOCIATED PRESS • August 29, 2023
On remote islands off the Maine coast, a unique bird held its own this year in the face of climate change. Atlantic puffins – clownish seabirds with colorful bills and waddling gaits – had their second consecutive rebound year for fledging chicks after suffering a catastrophic 2021, said scientists who monitor the birds. The encouraging news comes as the Audubon Society is celebrating its 50th anniversary of tending to Maine’s puffin colonies, which it restored from just a few dozen pairs. There are now as many as 3,000 birds, and the population is stable,