Puffins Spotted in Florida, Shocking Rescuers

Recently, a strange visitor has made their way to Florida. Over the last two weeks, four puffins have been spotted along the state’s beaches. Over 1,000 miles from home, this is an extremely uncommon occurrence. These sightings have shocked bird enthusiasts in the Sunshine State, leading them to wonder why the puffins have made their way south.

Atlantic puffins are sea birds typically found only in the northeastern United States. Although the birds may be spotted outside of their range, it is infrequent. However, in February alone, four puffins have been spotted by sharp-eyed Floridians. 

Two of these birds were rescued in poor condition. They were taken to wildlife rescue centers. Despite the best efforts of rescuers, these two puffins unfortunately passed away shortly after being rescued. However, two other puffins were spotted near shore, although they had flown away by the time wildlife officials arrived. All of the Florida puffin sightings occurred between February 8th and February 19th. The birds were spotted as far south as Miami, where rescuers were called on to help a sick puffin found on South Beach by two lifeguards. Unfortunately, this puffin ended up dying. 

Experts believe that recent storms and cold waters may be contributing factors to the southeastern puffin sightings. Since puffins spend most of their time at sea searching for small fish to eat, colder waters could likely have drawn the birds further south than is usual for them. The puffins are part of a larger group of seabirds, including auk and dovekies, that have been spotted in unusual locations following an upwelling of cold water in the Atlantic Ocean.

Given the sighting of puffins near the shore, it is likely that more birds were present further off the coast. If the public spots or finds any of these birds, they should contact local wildlife officials. 

Sign this petition to Help Protect Birds!

Animals Are My Favorite People by Tiny Rescue: Animal Collection

Related Content: 

• Paddleboarders and Kayakers Threaten Rare Seabirds
• New Disease Called “Plasticosis” Caused by Plastics Discovered in Seabirds
• Flaco The Owl’s Death Brings 2 New Potential Bills to Protect Birds
• Nepal’s Birds in Peril: Pollution Causes Startling Deformities 
• Study Finds Plastic Additives in Seabirds Around the Globe 

Easy Ways to Help the Planet:

• Eat Less Meat: Download Food Monster, the largest plant-based Recipe app on the App Store, to help reduce your environmental footprint, save animals and get healthy. You can also buy a hard or soft copy of our favorite vegan cookbooks.
• Reduce Your Fast Fashion Footprint: Take initiative by standing up against fast fashion Pollution and supporting sustainable and circular brands like Tiny Rescue that raise awareness around important issues through recycled zero-waste clothing designed to be returned and remade repeatedly.
• Support Independent Media: Being publicly funded gives us a greater chance to continue providing you with high-quality content. Please consider supporting us by donating!
• Sign a Petition: Your voice matters! Help turn petitions into victories by signing the latest list of must-sign petitions to help people, animals, and the planet.
• Stay Informed: Keep up with the latest news and important stories involving animals, the environment, sustainable living, food, health, and human interest topics by subscribing to our newsletter!
• Do What You Can: Reduce waste, plant trees, eat local, travel responsibly, reuse stuff, say no to single-use plastics, recycle, vote smart, switch to cold water laundry, divest from fossil fuels, save water, shop wisely, Donate if you can, grow your food, volunteer, conserve energy, compost, and don’t forget about the microplastics and microbeads lurking in common household and personal care products!