The Roosters of Ogunquit
- Brick + Tides
- Aug 5
- 3 min read
For the past month, six-year-old Pyper LeBlanc and her beloved roosters have appeared in news reports across Maine and around the country.
On Tuesday,, I saw what happens after the headlines.
I followed Pyper and her parents, Sara and Dave LeBlanc, from their family’s Omelette Factory in Ogunquit to a supporter’s home on Webhannet Drive in Wells. The drive was about 4 miles, but along the way, we passed what seemed like 20 giant roosters standing near homes and businesses.
They were everywhere.
The colorful metal birds that once surrounded the LeBlanc family’s home are now being hosted throughout the community. Supporters have placed them along roadsides and outside their properties as symbols of kindness, inclusion and autism acceptance.
Pyper is autistic and has loved roosters since arriving at Sara and Dave’s home as a foster child with a stuffed rooster among her belongings. The couple soon adopted her. Over time, one rooster became a collection of towering metal birds displayed outside the family’s home, which is connected to their business, the Omelette Factory.
The roosters eventually became the subject of a dispute with the Town of Ogunquit, which classified them as unauthorized advertising. As the disagreement attracted attention, residents and business owners began offering to “foster” the birds on their own properties.
Michelle Guffee, a Board Certified Behavior Analyst and owner of New Horizons Education Group in Florida, sees something more significant in that community response.
"At a time when our country has plenty to be divided about, seeing a community come together to welcome and include a new resident on the autism spectrum by embracing her special interest should be applauded, not fined. For many autistic individuals, incorporating a special interest into daily life can make challenging situations such as major life transitions, feel less overwhelming and significanly increase the likelihood of a successful adjustment. Communities that choose understanding and inclusion send a powerful message: everyone belongs.'
On Tuesday, I got to see some of that community support firsthand.
The LeBlanc's visited one of those supporters to switch out a rooster. During the 30-minute stop, the family enjoyed the ocean views. Pyper gathered shells and carefully organized them on the rocks. She climbed, explored and jumped into the air beside one of the roosters.
She also became interested in my camera, looking through the viewfinder and taking a few photographs of her own.
Later, as I drove north from Wells toward home, I passed what seemed like another 20 roosters towards Kennebunk. Mile after mile, they appeared near the road—each one placed there by someone who wanted the LeBlanc's to know they are not standing alone.
Follow the Roosters of Ogunquit
Sara and Dave are sharing new rooster locations, photographs, community support and updates through The Roosters of Ogunquit on Facebook. It is the best place to learn more about Pyper and follow a collection of colorful birds that has become something much larger.
Visit The Roosters of Ogunquit on Facebook →
Many thanks to Pyper, Sara and Dave for allowing us to document a rooster visit on Tuesday, August 4, 2026 in Ogunquit and Wells, Maine.
BrickTides.com is a weekly newsletter featuring inspiring people and stories in York County, Maine. We hope you subscribe.
Pyper, Sara and Dave LeBlanc of Ogunquit, Maine created 'Roosters of Ogunquit' in support of Pyper.