Hi Paul,
I'm off to Vancouver (with work) in about a week, but I have a free
weekend there. I've done a bit of research including contacting
people there via a nature photgrapy forum I participate on. The
message I got was now is not a good time for birds as most have
migrated to points north, though there are a lot of sea birds breeding
in the area at that time of year . You can see birds on the whale
watching trips out of Victoria. While researching whale watching
trips I came across this link:
http://www.eaglewingtours.com/userimages/File/PDFs/Marine-Bird-Guide.pdf
This gives details of birds that can be found around Vancouver
Island. They may be a good choice for a trip if you are interested in
birds as they seem to know a bit about the birdlife and put together
the guide I linked.. The people I contacted also suggested that
smaller boats will be better for getting close to seabirds. Tufted
puffins are unfortunately not that common around Victoria. When doing
the research I found this link:
http://www.pugetsoundexpress.com/whale-watching-and-wildlife-tours/protection-island-puffin-cruise/
<http://www.pugetsoundexpress.com/whale-watching-and-wildlife-tours/protection-island-puffin-cruise/>
Indicates there's a few tufted puffins around the area, but seems
Rhinoceros auklets, Pigeon Guillemots and Murres are more common.
Definitely suggest you go across to Vancouver Island, the ferry trip
alone makes it worthwhile. There is also a pelagic trip from Tofino
that would be worth checking it was recommended to me if I had the
time to get there, it's about a 5 hour run from the ferry teminal.
Tofino/Ucluelet is definitely worth checking out on the west coast of
the island. I went there with the family about 12 years ago and we
stayed in B&Bs. The scenery is magnificent and it's worth exploring
the old growth forest around the area. I'd recommend looking into
staying at B&Bs in that area, prices were on par with hotels, but you
get to meet locals and fellow travellers, the one we stayed at in
Ulclulet even provided a national pass pass.
http://www.justbirding.com/seabird-voyage.html
http://www.justbirding.com/pelagic-cruise.html
Regarding Horned puffins, this link might be of interest:
http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/eco_reserve/anne_er/horned_puffin_nesting_1979.pdf
Looks like the best outside chance might be the Tofino pelagic trip?
Hope that is helpful
regards,
Chris Ross.
<http://www.env.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/eco_reserve/anne_er/horned_puffin_nesting_1979.pdf>
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