Ever thought about birding by boat for a different vantage to your birding experience? I recently published a story with The Seattle Times about a boat-birding day trip I took with local company Skagit Guided Adventures, complete with photos from two sister trip-mates Roniq Bartanen and Caroline Lichtenberger.

The all-day trip is designed and led by Stephanie Fernandez, the owner/operator of Skagit Guided Adventures and is an example of just how much of an adventure a day of birding can be. I share my experience of bird and marine mammal watching on the water with the intimate 20-person group as well as our land-based exploration of the San Juan Preservation Trust-protected Vendovi Island.

Washington’s portion of the Salish Sea is abundant with biodiversity that’s best viewed by watercraft, and several travel companies offer such group access from late April to early October. Even if you don’t reside in Washington, the opportunity to bird by boat may exist near you, and is worth looking into for the distinct view of bird habitat only visible by boat. Read the story to learn more!