The Friends of Maine Seabird Islands recently introduced 120 people to the amazing resources of Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge.  Taking advantage of a free boat ride aboard the large catamaran "Friendship V," generously offered by the Bar Harbor Whale Watching Company, the Friends invited members of other local National Wildlife Refuge Friends groups, local birding clubs, some island owners, and board members from other partner organizations to see the seabird nesting colony on Petit Manan Island.  The sunset provided a golden backdrop to the 7,000 birds that filled the sky, as the lucky participants snapped pictures.  This unusual glimpse at a healthy, diverse seabird colony in full swing was a real treat, and the boat made it possible for this large number of people to participate without disturbing the colony.  The Friends hope that many of the participants, once they experience seabirds firsthand, and have heard about the refuge and its work, will become active supporters.