Photo: Western Sandpiper by Mick Thompson

***Note the regular “Tuesday” trip this week is on Wednesday to take advantage of the seasonal Jetty Island ferry.

Take the very short ferry ride to Jetty Island, which often offers a variety of shorebirds, and sometimes rarities. Last year some Pilchuck birders were the first to find a long-staying Bar-tailed Godwit!  Advance planning is important: ferry reservations are first-come, first-served and typically sell out early online. Buy your ticket ($3 per person, plus service charge) at https://www.portofeverett.com/visit_the_waterfront/jetty_island/index.php and try for the 11:30 out-bound ferry (check in at the dock at 11:15) or – if that’s full – a slightly earlier one, and the 3:00 ferry to return to the dock. (You can return whenever you want, but the return ferry is also first-come, first-served unless you specified a return time. Be prepared that there is no shade on the island and the weather may be hot: bring water, sunscreen, hat, lunch, and perhaps a camp stool or a pad for sitting on driftwood while watching the lagoon. Parking is available nearby at Jetty Landing Park (total of $3 if you pre-pay using the link on your reservation confirmation). The only restroom on the island is by the ferry landing.

Trip leaders: Diane Marie Murray (206-769-6271) and Denny Bolton (425-241-6892)