This information is provided to help you decide if a volunteer or intern position on National Audubon Society's Maine Coast Sanctuaries is right for you. Individual site descriptions can be found by using the links to the left or the clickable map, but the following items pertain to all islands:
- A small group operates at rustic or primitive camps at each field station. With few exceptions, getting away from others is restricted to the 3-hour observation periods in the blinds. You must be able to coexist with different personalities and lifestyles.
- Allergies to ragweed or other grass species can be debilitating. Exotic grasses cover a large portion of the islands and all the camps are set up in these areas. If you have allergies be sure to bring enough medication to last for your scheduled time. Sample any new medication to determine adverse reactions before you go out to the islands.
- Exercise area is limited. There is virtually no place to run or jog that is safe for you or the nesting birds. The islands are nesting habitat first and foremost—not summer camps! Three-hour-long observation stints require sitting in a 3'x3' burlap-covered blind on a rough seat.
- Be prepared to practice your water conservation skills. All potable water must be carried onto the islands. Rainwater (when available) can be used for bathing. Laundry can be washed at the base camp after your stint, or on the island if rainwater supplies permit.
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Terrain is
very rugged on Eastern Egg Rock, Matinicus Rock and Seal Island.
Persons with weak knees or ankles may not be able to manage hiking over
the large granite boulders to get to an observation blind. Boat landings
at all sites require stepping onto slippery rocks, seaweed or in the water. - Communication with the mainland is limited. Contact between the islands and the Audubon base camp is made at least once a day via CB or VHF radio. Emergency messages can be transmitted through base camp at that time. Non-essential messages are discouraged. Mail will be delivered to the islands during staff changes or supply drops. On the outer islands, a couple weeks can go by between mail drops.
- Gull control is a necessary part of the restoration of Maine's seabird colonies. In managed areas, Herring (HEGU) and Great Black-backed Gull (GBBG) nests or eggs are destroyed. Individual HEGUs or GBBGs determined to be problem predators may be shot (as deemed necessary by the Island Supervisor.) Predator control is done under permit from state and federal agencies. You will not be asked to participate in gull control if you find it unsettling; however, it is important not interfere with the process.
- You must provide: binoculars, sleeping bag, ground pad and tent. Note: A suitable tent is one that is waterproof and designed to resist damage from high winds. Low-end model tents are constructed from hard plastics or vinyl that "crackle" in high winds making it difficult to sleep inside. A rain fly is a must. Strong UV rays will cause some deterioration of the fly fabric, especially if you stay longer than two or three weeks. We recommend a tarp sized to fit over your tent fly to protect it from UV and the uric acid in bird droppings. A two-person tent provides ample room for sleeping and storage of your clothes and some gear. A larger size is not recommended since it may be difficult to find a level spot to site it and it weighs more.
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puffin@audubon.org |
 Mailing Address: Project Puffin 159 Sapsucker Woods Road Ithaca, New York 14850 607-257-7308 |