Port Angeles and the Strait of Juan de Fuca

This is an overnight trip leaving Olympia Saturday, March 18 and returning Sunday, March 19, with Saturday night in Port Angeles. The focus is on seabirds at several locations on the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The trip is especially suitable for beginning and intermediate birders, but is open to birders of all skill levels who would enjoy seeing birds, beaches, and the rocky shores of the Olympic Peninsula in the early spring in the company of others. Our current plans are to make an initial stop on Hood Canal — perhaps near Brinnon — then head for points on Sequim Bay, the Three Crabs area, the Dungeness NWR on Dungeness Spit, and then on to Port Angeles for dinner together and to stay overnight. Sunday morning we plan to bird from Ediz Hook next to Port Angeles, followed by Salt Creek County Park (about 15 miles west of Port Angeles), where we will look for Harlequin Ducks, Black Turnstones, and Black Oystercatchers among the waves crashing onto rocky headlands. If time permits and there is interest, we can inspect the location of the dismantled Upper Elwha Dam in the beautiful Elwha Valley before returning to Olympia by 5 p.m. or before. There will be short walks up to half a mile or a mile during the trip.

If possible, please register by March 6. E-mail Sam Merrill at sammerrill3@nullcomcast.net or call 360-352-7299 to register. There is a limit of 12 people for this trip. Carpooling may be arranged. We will meet at the Fire Station at 125 Delphi Rd just north of its intersection with Mud Bay Rd at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 18. Bring binoculars, a scope to share if you have one, and warm clothes as shore locations can be windy. Bring any other supplies or accessories you need to be comfortable.

Please make your own lodging plans in Port Angeles. There are many hotels and B & Bs. See TripAdvisor.com or your preferred travel website for details. Recommended budget-friendly accommodations are: Port Angeles Inn (where the leaders plan to stay), Royal Victorian Inn, Super 8; higher-end lodgings include The Red Lion and Olympia Lodge.