The
Witless Bay Ecological Reserve preserves the habitats for bird and sea
creatures on and around 4 islands in Witless
Bay. This includes one
island with the largest puffin colony in North America
and another with the densest population of Common Murres. The way to experience
the reserve is by boat. We hadn’t reserved ahead so headed for a boat dock
early. Lucky for us they had spots and they had wifi we could use while waiting.
We
ended up one of the last to board, so thought we’d end up with the grunt seats,
but Bill found a corner on the bow that didn’t block the captain and Barbara
ended up sitting in the alternative captain’s seat on the upper deck.
We
passed scenic coastline along the way and listened to Celtic-influenced Newfoundland music.
When
we got to the island with the puffin colony we found most of the puffins had
flown off except for a few stragglers and some menacing gulls perched on the
ridge. On a good day the grassy slopes would be filled with puffins.
Plenty
of Black-Legged Killiwakes covered the rock ledges.
We
headed for the second island – the island with the Murres. Lots and lots of
birds in the water and in the air, which was quite impressive. The tour guide
pointed out an eagle soaring above the island, which might explain the quantity
in the air and sea.
On
our way back we got a second chance to look for puffins and spotted more.
After
the boat trip Bill picked up a 4-mile stretch of the East Coast Trail going
south along Mickeleens Path, while Barbara found a letterbox and did a short
hike to the north. We both got good coastal views and even saw the islands we
visited earlier in the day.
Barbara’s
view
Bill’s
view
Gull Island, Witless Bay Ecological Reserve
