Hi Tweets -
To begin the new year, MaryFrances Mathis, Tom Mansfield, Ryan
Merrill & I met up to take the passenger ferry back & forth between
Seattle and Port Townsend today.

Best birds of the day were definitely the alcids. Once we got out a
ways, the Ancient Murrelets started streaming by -- For the King Co
listers amongst us, we couldn't coax an Ancient deep into the Sound.
But up past Point-No-Point, there was ample evidence of the hundreds
seen yesterday by Bob Whitney off Point Wilson.

By the end of the 2 rides, we'd seen Ancient Murrelets in Jefferson,
Island & Kitsap Counties. As we closed in on Port Townsend, they were
present by the dozens.

Also around in the same area were many Marbled Murrelets, some coming
in close enough for good comparisons with the more common Ancients.

Also seen throughout the day were good numbers of Common Murres,
Red-throated Loons, Pacific Loons and several groups of Brant. A few
Long-tailed Ducks were present closer to Port Townsend.

For anyone considering this ride: Remember that it stops running on
the 5th. The ride is smooth, but windy, so dress warm.

Here's a link for the ferry times, with links there to directions and the like:
http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/schedules/current/index.cfm?route=sea-ptpo

Happy 2008,

Matt Bartels
Seattle, WA