Joe was at the helm of one of his family s sightseeing boats out of Bay Bulls, Newfoundland, just 30 minutes south of St. John s. He was heading for Gull Island, one of four small islands in the Witless Bay Ecological Reserve. They are loving couples, he continued. They choose their partners for life. They share equally in getting the food, taking care of the nest, and looking after the young.
Puffins are handsome sea birds with multi-colored beaks and orange feet.
There are 130,000 pairs between Bay Bulls and Bauline East. Cruising or kayaking the reserve is a great way to see the whimsical birds, as well as to discover other aspects of Canada s youngest province. Aside from sea birds, the biggest draw is the Humpback whale. Some 50 of them make their seasonal home at the reserve, along with several Minke s and the occasional Fin whale. These gentle giants often spout quite near the tour boats, and if you are lucky you may see one breach that is, jump right out of the water.