Yesterday, July 1, fx at sprynet.com (sorry - I deleted the original message
and don't remember your name - :0 ) inquired about boat tours going out
around Protection Island from here, Port Townsend. You commented that you
read in some Washington birding guide that Sea Sport Charters runs such
trips, but haven't been able to locate the company. Since this is the
second such reference I have seen on Tweeters in the last few days and I am
unaware of any such trips, I decided to do some checking.

Whatever guide you are referencing is wrong. After making some phone calls
to check my facts, I can confirm that at present there are NO regular trips
made around Protection Island. Sea Sport Charters is no longer in business.
I believe there are a few ecotour businesses (sorry - don't have names)
which may on occasion schedule such a trip; a friend in Port Angeles
recently went on one. The only organization that I am aware of that does
sometimes schedule trips is the Port Townsend Marine Science Center, but
they are not scheduling any more trips until fall. The latest newsletter
states that they are planning to have trips every Saturday in October and
November, from 1-4 pm. Trips will cost $35. If anyone is interested in
pursuing that idea, the PTMSC phone number is (360) 385-5582.

As for anyone planning to visit the area this summer and wanting to see
seabirds and mammals, I would suggest a trip through/around the San Juan
Islands. There is of course the state ferry system, and *numerous* ecotour
and whale-watching businesses to chose from in that area.

I may be behind the times, but the only birding guide I have to the state
as a whole is Wahl and Paulson. I find it to be consistently reliable.
About access to Protection, Terry Wahl correctly writes: "This island
refuge is owned by state and federal wildlife agencies and entry is
strictly controlled. Visits are possible only on tours authorized by the
USFWS. Visitors circling the island by boat must follow regulations which
require vessels to be at least 200 yards offshore to avoid disturbance,
particularly to cormorants and harbor seals."

Sorry to burst anyone's trip-planning bubbles, but I do want to dispel any
rumors. It is unfortunate that inaccurate information has found its way
into print and is being spread across the country.

Happy birding --

Janet Hardin
Port Townsend, WA
wings at olympus.net