At 07:53 PM 2/27/96 -0800, you wrote:
>I am interested in finding out when is the best time to look for puffins at
>Dungeness Spit -- that is, the earliest time in the SPring. I will be
>approaching the area by boat, and would appreciate information regarding
>the start of Spring migration.

Susan - Puffins arrive on their Washington breeding grounds late-April
through early May. Most puffins breed off the coast, and a very few pairs
breed at Protection Island. They formerly bred at Smith Island as well, but
there are no longer breeding pairs there (last year). Protection Island had
~20 birds last year with an estimated 4-5 breeding pairs. This is way down
from an estimated 13 breeding pairs 4 years ago. These are the birds that
are seen at Dungeness spit. If you are on the water definately drop by
Protection island, but remember to stay the required distance off shore.
While kayaking I've often found them in the waters between Cape George and
the island.
Mike Kennedy <mikken at daka.com>
Port Townsend, WA, USA