Subject: Re: Pelagic Trips?
Date: Feb 20 10:10:34 1996
From: Michael Kennedy - mikken at daka.com
>
>If there's any local pelagics, I'd appreciate hearing of them.
>
Not trully pelagic, but the Port Townsend Marine Science center runs boat
trips from PT to Protection Island. It's definately a good trip for
catching the "standard" marine diving birds (murres, murrelets, rhinoceres
auklets, loons, and such). Cost is $35 and the trip lasts from 1 to 4. The
next scheduled Protection Island trips are:
2/24 3/2 3/16 3/30 4/13 4/27 (all saturdays)
Based on kayak trips in the bay here, now is a very interesting time to see
these birds, as you can see the full range of plumages in many birds. There
are also alot of gulls out here. Later in the season there will be many
more auklets which are also interesting to watch, especially as they parade
around with 4 or 5 sand launce hanging from their bill.
An additional benefit of birding from boats is the lack of irate local
drivers who are tired of slowing down for gaggles of birders. Actually,
the total lack of drivers is the real benefit. You'll find the locals
friendly, but watch your wallet, this is a tourist area.
Mike Kennedy, Port Townsend <mikken at daka.com>