Experience the life our year-round resident alcid, the Pigeon Guillemot,
on our Birding Cruise to Vendovi Island Preserve!
Pigeon Guillemots nest and rear their young around the San Juan Islands during late Spring and early Summer. They gather in April, pair-bond in May, incubate eggs in June, feed chicks in July and disperse in August. Trips to observe this progression in behaviors are scheduled in May, June and July.
The 2-hr cruise from Anacortes to Vendovi Island offers an opportunity to visit a couple of Pigeon Guillemot nesting areas and see other species of alcids, such as the endangered Marbled Murrelet and Rhinocerus Auklet. Sea ducks, oystercatchers, cormorants, gulls, bald eagles, seals, porpoise and river otters are often seen as well.
The 3-hour visit to Vendovi Island Preserve gives you plenty of time to continue birding on your own and explore the island’s forest, beaches and grassy meadows on its well-maintained trail system (total 3 mi, 200 ft elevation gain). Lookouts and beaches offer stunning vistas of the San Juan Islands, the Salish Sea, Mount Baker and the North Cascades. “Staying on trails, and especially staying off our southern bluff areas and our rocky shorelines, is very important in preserving these sensitive habitats.” – a note from the Vendovi Island caretakers.
Vendovi Island, located north of Guemes Island. is the little “Hidden Gem” of the San Juan Islands. The San Juan Preservation Trust has owned the island since 2010 ensuring its protection.
“The Bird Tour to Vendovi Island is a spectacular experience for seabird observation. I loved how well coordinated Stephanie and the boat captain worked to give us every wildlife viewing opportunity. A very special trip!”
Rae, Bellingham
“Loved the diversity of cruising, birding and hiking. Length of trip was good. The small group size was nice.”
Carol, Whidbey Island
“Birding by water you can get a lot closer to the birds without disturbing them. Also Vendovi Island is a very special place I will always remember.”
Mary, Whidbey Island
“Thank you for being the “hostess with the most-ess” and for guiding folks to nature so beautifully.”
Elaina & TJ, Vendovi Island Preserve caretakers
Saturdays, May 7, June 18, July 9, 2022
8:30 am – 3 pm
$182
Departs from Skyline Marine Center, Anacortes
(more details below)
Activity level: EASY
DETAILS
Not included: lunch, taxes & fees, gratuity
What to bring: binoculars, camera, lunch, water, toilet paper/baggie, comfortable walking/tennis shoes and weather appropriate clothing.
Bathrooms: marina, boat, Vendovi Island (temporarily closed)
Donations encouraged: $2-5 p/p for SJPT accepted at Vendovi Island donation box