Took the Port Townsend Marine Science Center's puffin cruise Sat. evening from 6-9 p.m. We first encountered a fish ball with the expected bird gathering. Lots of rhino auklets, most with at least 2 fish, glaucous-winged gulls, pelagic cormorants, and a harbor seal. Just as we we started to circle Protection Island we encountered a flock of about 50 red-necked phalaropes. This group was soon joined by an even bigger flock of phalaropes. A bit early for them to arrive. The island was loaded with bald eagles, juvenile and mature. I haven't seen this many eagles in such a small area since leaving Alaska.

Other sightings include:
Pigeon guillemonts
Tufted puffins (about 6)
Black oystercatcher
Herrmann's gulls
Common murres

Harbor porpoise
Elephant seal
Harbor seals and pups (some pups were riding on their mother's back)

The center still has a couple of cruises let this summer. Check out their website.

Valerie Elliott
Olympia, WA.
VElliott at msn.com