Researchers at the Atlantic Laboratory for Avian Research, part of the University of New Brunswick, recently made a significant discovery regarding the age of a puffin in New Brunswick, Canada. This particular puffin, born in 1992 on Machias Seal Island in the Gulf of Maine, was identified as the oldest known puffin in the region at 33 years old. The team, led by Daniel Oliker, a graduate student studying Atlantic puffin ecology, confirmed that this puffin is not only the oldest ever recaptured in the province but also one of the oldest across North America.
The bird was originally banded in the late 1990s using one plastic and one metal band for identification. Now, researchers use two metal bands for this purpose. Oliker and his team, who have been monitoring puffins and other seabird species on Machias Seal Island since 1995, found the aged puffin with its original bands from over three decades ago. The previous record for the oldest puffin was 29 years old, making this discovery a significant milestone in their research.
Despite the challenges of identifying the worn-out plastic band, the team successfully located the old puffin in its burrow during the night. The legible band numbers revealed that the bird was last seen in 2007, adding to the excitement of uncovering its history. Tony Diamond, the biologist who initiated the research program on Machias Seal Island 30 years ago, commended the team’s dedication and perseverance in deciphering the band’s information.
The discovery not only showcases the longevity of puffins but also underscores the dedication of the researchers and the continuity of their research efforts. By equipping the puffin with a new metal band, the team aims to track its progress and gain valuable insights into the bird’s lifespan, reproductive success, and resilience in the face of environmental changes. This remarkable finding highlights the resilience and adaptability of these seabirds in the ever-changing natural world.
