You may continue directly from the Washington Tour, or plan to arrive at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport by noon if you are joining us for the extension. We'll drive north and make the ferry crossing to Vancouver Island, departing either from Anacortes or Port Angeles. During our crossing of the Strait of Juan de Fuca, we'll watch for Parasitic Jaeger, Sooty Shearwater, and perhaps even an Orca (Killer Whale). Overnight in Saanichton, north of Victoria.

Sky Lark is reliable near the Victoria Airport and in some tulip bulb fields very close to our motel. I will be in touch with Barbara Begg and hopefully she will be available to join us for the morning. Barbara knows more about the habits and habitats of the resident Sky Larks than anyone else on Vancouver Island. We'll spend the remainder of the day birding other areas on the Saanich Peninsula in search of California Quail, Anna's Hummingbird, and a nice variety of waterfowl. Several coastal stops near Victoria should yield Black Oystercatcher, Black Turnstone, Harlequin Duck, Mew Gull, Arctic Tern, and perhaps a Parasitic Jaeger, Yellow-headed Blackbird, or Cassin's Auklet as in past years. One year we were invited into a gentleman's backyard from which we could watch a feeding Gray Whale and also saw Pileated Woodpecker and Anna's Hummingbird - - how's THAT for a combination! A second night in Saanichton, at the sign of the Waddling Dog.

We'll take an early ferry through the San Juan Islands, exploring an island for as long as we wish, then moving on to the next one. We will save plenty of time to look for Orcas from one of the best vantage points in the entire Pacific Northwest. This will also give us more opportunities to find additional seabirds. We'll return to Vancouver Island and explore some new areas before retiring for our third night at the same motel in Saanichton.

We'll take yet another ferry ride across the Strait of Juan de Fuca, then search for Mountain Quail near Belfair State Park. This will give us the opportunity for some additional woodland birding before working our way back to Seattle where we'll spend the night near the SeaTac Airport. A nearby park and lake usually produce some good birds that may include Red-breasted Sapsucker, Rufous Hummingbird, and perhaps Western Screech-Owl.

Flights home can be planned as early as you wish, as the hotel is a 5-minute ride from the SeaTac Airport.

This specialty trip to Vancouver, British Columbia in search of Sky Lark will be led by Bob Schutsky who has successfully located this and other local species many times in the past.

$1395 per person based upon double occupancy. Single accommodations are available for an extra charge of $255.

Expert guide service, lodging for four nights, ALL meals, entrance fees, ferry rides, and ground transportation from Seattle. ALL tips are also included in the tour fee, except for anything that you may wish to give to your tour leader(s).
Does not include the cost of airfare to and from Seattle. BIRD TREKS will, upon request, gladly help you obtain the best possible airfare. Also not included are the cost of alcoholic beverages and items of a personal nature.

A $300 deposit will assure your reservation on the tour. The balance is due 1 June 2008.

We offer the services of our exclusive BIRD TREKS travel agent, Lori Heathcote, in arranging your air travel. Lori has 22 years of experience in the travel industry and is a veteran birder. Contact her through Bailey Travel at 1-800-224-5399, or you can e-mail lori@baileytravel.com. By dealing with Lori you have the security of a 24-hour toll-free telephone number in case of any travel emergency. She can also assist you with all pre- and post-tour travel plans.

With written notice more than 60 days prior to the first day of the tour, 100% of your deposit will be refunded, minus a $75 service fee. With 30-60 days notice, you will receive a 50% refund of the full cost of the tour. No refund can be made with less than 30 days notice. You will receive a full refund if you provide a replacement for your spot on the tour. No partial refund can be given once a tour begins. We strongly recommend that you purchase trip cancellation insurance to protect your investment in case of injury or illness to you or your family prior to or during a tour. Click on the following link to Access America or contact BIRD TREKS for information on obtaining this coverage.