Tag Archives: seabirds

Fall birds of Admiralty Inlet

On October 17, 2017, wenjoined the Natural History Society to discover the seabirds of Admiralty Inlet.

Preeminent bird biologist and delightful teacher Bob Boekelheide led our outing and emphasized the ecology and behavior of the local seabirds we observed.

He discussed how our location in Port Townsend relates to the birds’ annual cycles, why they’re here, what they’re doing, where they’ve come from, and where they’re going.

We surveyed the birds we found roosting at Point Hudson and swimming and feeding offshore. We then drove into Fort Worden to check for birds offshore from the Port Townsend Marine Science Center pier. We ended up at Point Wilson, also scoping offshore.

We brought binoculars and scopes, snacks and drinks, and a Discovery Pass to park in Fort Worden. Ken at JLTnatural@saveland.org was the contact for location and meeting time.

Winter Whidbey Walk

Barrow’s Goldeneye p.91

Barrow’s Goldeneye

On December 6, 2016, we walked on the ferry and joined the Natural History Society for a hike on Whidbey Island.

Naturalist Ken Wilson accompanied us, and he recommended bringing binoculars to watch for seabirds from the ferry. He said, “One of the treats of the day is the ferry crossing across Admiralty Inlet. Especially in the middle of the channel there are sometimes many hundreds of birds of numerous waterbird species.”

We explored the Fort Casey campus and looked for interesting plants, checked out the marshes for birds, found a warm place for lunch, and walked down the beach back toward the ferry. Ken says, “Within the forests, along the shores, and in the wetlands are quite a diversity of species of birds and plants.” It was a fun-filled day outing and a delightful opportunity to travel just a short distance from Port Townsend to experience some new scenery.

What we suggested bringing: hiking boots, warm jacket, rain gear, backpack with lunch and drinks, ferry fare, binoculars, camera, reference guides such as the trusty Plants of the Pacific NW Coast. Oma at jltnatural@saveland.org. was the contact for details.