"the mountain and the sea are excellent schoolmasters, and teach some of us more than we can ever learn from books." -john lubbock
Meet Our Team
The Salish Sea School is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity, inclusion, and connectedness. We are able to grow and learn better together with a diverse team. We welcome the unique contributions that one can bring in terms of their education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation and beliefs.
We are stronger together with the collective sum of individual differences, life experiences, knowledge, innovation, self-expression, and talent which ultimately brings about a healthier planet.
Click on the pictures below to learn more.
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Experience the thrill of spotting Tufted Puffins with our expert guides at your side. With some luck, you may even get a glimpse of an unusual party-crasher, a lone Horned Puffin known to mingle among the Tufted Puffins. This trip is tailored for birders of all skill levels, from beginners to experts. Join us for an adventure that goes beyond birdwatching—experience, a mission-driven journey that fosters education, research, and community engagement upon the stunning Salish Sea!
These trips serve as fundraisers that support our education and research programs, help us further our mission of marine conservation. One key part of that mission is to bring underserved students into our programs free of charge. Many kids in our community have never even touched the sand before. Trips like this make it possible for us to continue this important work.
Photo above by Jerry Hammond
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We'll be exploring near Smith and Minor Islands, where Tufted Puffins can be seen in their striking breeding plumage from April to July and can be observed transitioning to winter plumage in August and September.
An astounding variety of bird species may also be encountered, such as; Horned Puffins, Rhinoceros Auklets, Common Murres, Pigeon Guillemots, Black Oystercatchers, Harlequin Ducks, Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Great Blue Herons, Marbled and Ancient Murrelets, Red-necked Phalaropes, Black and Ruddy Turnstones, Parasitic Jaegers, Sooty and Manx Shearwaters, Northern Fulmars, Bonaparte’s Gulls, Common and Pacific Loons, Surf and White-winged Scoters, and Red-necked Grebes, and more!
Photo by Eric Ellingson
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A key part of this ecotour is conducting bird surveys from the boat, which are essential for monitoring bird populations and supporting conservation efforts. We’ll invite 2-3 birders to assist with counting at specific points. Participation is completely optional—you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the trip. The surveys will be brief and won’t interfere with the overall experience of the tour. This data is shared with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife as part of the Tufted Puffin Recovery Plan.
As baby pufflings begin to hatch in July, we’ll also aim to photograph puffins carrying prey in their bills, providing important data on the forage fish these endangered birds depend on.
Photo by Eric Ellingson
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WE ARE A NONPROFIT: As a 501(c)(3), our mission is to spark curiosity and connect communities to the sea through adventure, research, and hands-on programs that inspire marine stewardship for all ages.
SUPPORT STUDENTS: Your ticket purchase helps to provide incredible experiences for students to explore the Salish Sea, many for the first time, through boat rides, kayaking, and tide pool adventures.
SUPPORT RESEARCH: Joining our trips means contributing to vital bird surveys and data collection for Tufted Puffins and seabirds which aids in conservation efforts.
PRE-TRIP EDUCATION: Enjoy an optional Zoom lesson on Washington’s Tufted Puffins and learn about the research we’ll conduct during your trip.
POST-TRIP MATERIALS: Receive a complete eBird list and trip report, contributing to citizen science and capturing lasting memories with photos.
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All trips embark from Skyline Marina in Anacortes, Washington where we will board the comfortable 40-passenger Koinonia (pictured), chartered through our partnership with Paraclete Boat Charters.
We are immensely grateful for your participation and we’re thrilled to share the beauty and majesty of the Salish Sea’s birdlife with you!
2024 Fall Marine Bird Trip: Watching for plumage changes in each bird species is as magical (or more!) as watching fall foliage turn from green to yellow to bright orange! Join us for a cruise around the Salish Sea, while we search for the beautiful, feathered friends that call the Salish Sea home during the winter, spring, and fall months!
Pictured: Ancient Murrelet
Why book with us? A key part of our nonprofit's mission is offering these opportunities to underserved students for free, many of whom have never even touched the sand before. Trips like this make it possible for us to continue this important work! Here are some photos from our student programs that your support helps make possible!
