Tweeters,

The Port Townsend Marine Science Center operated a Protection Island Cruise
for a family reunion group staying at Fort Worden State Park yesterday
evening and sighted the following species:

(The sunset & cloud formations observed at approx. 9:30pm in Kilisut Harbor
were outstanding)

Double Crested cormorants, continuing to roost on their self-constructed
nests on the ridge line on the island (one of my favorite sights)

Pelagic Cormprants

Great Blue Heron at Kilisut Harbor

Black Oystercatcher at Rat Island

Heermans Gull - everywhere in great numbers

Mew Gull at Protection Island

Glaucous winged Gull - everywhere

Commonn Murre - on Protection Island & at Point Wilson

Pigeon Guillemont - everywhere

Rhinocerous auklet - everywhere, Protection Island, Point wilson, Kilisut Harbor

Tufted Puffins - at Protection Island and just south of Point Wilson

Bald Eagles - an extraordinary count of 20 on Ptotection Island including
approx. 6 adults. an additional 3 on Indian Island

Northwestern crow - Rat Island

Starling - Rat Island

Harbor Seal - Protection Island & Kilisut Harbor

Elephant Seal - on the beach at Protection Island

The remaining Protection Island Sunset cruises scheduled for the public are:

Saturdays:
July 18th & 25th
August 1st, 15th, 22nd & 29th
Sept. 5th

The trips leave at 6:30 pm from Point Hudson Marina in Downtown Port
Townsend aboard a 65' motor yacht and cruise past Point Wilson to
circumnavigate Protection Island and return at 9:30pm via a deviation into
Kiulisut Harbor to observe species on Indian Island and Rat Island. An
onboard naturalist (who has been with us on these trips since 1994)
provides excellent commentary on birds, geology & natural history. Food is
available onboard as well. Tickets are $35 each or $30 for PTMSC, Audubon
or WOS members. Children and group prices are also available.

Reservations & info at 360-385-5582
or
ptmsc at olympus.net

Regards
Peter B.
PTMSC