FALL CRUISES TO PROTECTION ISLAND !!

The Port Townsend Marine Science Center has scheduled its seventh season of
cruises to Protection Island. These very special cruises, extremely
popular with birders, have also generated increased interest among
non-birders looking for an idyllic natural science experience. Home to
breeding and flyway populations of numerous bird species, this Washington
Coastal Refuge, off-limits to the public, also plays host to numerous
marine mammals. Over sixty bird species; loons, puffins, phalaropes,
merlins, bald eagles, oystercatchers, mergansers, murrlets, etc., and five
mammal species, including whales and an elephant seal, were spotted earlier
this year!

Trips, scheduled from 1 pm till 4 pm, on six consecutive Saturdays, October
4, 11, 18, and 25 and November 1 and 8, as well as Wednesday,December 31st,
New Year's Eve, are aboard the well appointed and comfortable 55 foot motor
yacht, RED HEAD, departing from Point Hudson Marina in downtown Port
Townsend. The PTMSC's staff ornithologist, on-board naturalist for the
trips, provides excellent commentary on the island's biology, geology,
weather and history. PTMSC volunteers also are on board as spotters.

These trips, part of the non-profit PTMSC's educational program for all
ages, provide citizens an excellent opportunity to gain a better
understanding of marine ecosystems and the wonders of natural science which
abound in this area. Tickets, $35 per person, $30 for PTMSC members,
Audubon or Washington Ornithological Society members, benefit the PTMSC.
Discounts for children also. On-board refreshments are available, but
bringing a sack lunch is a good idea. For reservations call (360) 385-5582
or eMail: ptmsc at olympus.net