4. Atlantic Puffin

HOT SPOT: Machias Seal Island, Maine

Atlantic puffins are pelagic, spending most of the year out at sea. In summer, they nest in underground burrows along rocky northern coasts from Maine to Scandinavia. Because they are colonial nesters, finding one may mean finding hundreds. Researchers take advantage of this trait and use decoys to lure puffins to new nesting islands. Numerous boat tours and birding festivals offer puffin-viewing opportunities, making this bird a little easier to check off your bucket list.