Birding in Samish Flats

To attend this event, click here to register and obtain detailed information.

Join the Mount Baker Sierra Club for a birding adventure in Samish Flats, one of the premier winter birding locations in Northwest Washington. Every year, the wetlands and agricultural fields of this area provide a refuge for thousands of migratory waterfowl including snow geese, northern pintails, green-winged teal, northern shovelers, and trumpeter swans, as well as raptors like bald eagles, rough-legged hawks, short-eared owls, and northern harriers. Seeing any particular bird can't be guaranteed, but we'll visit some of the best sites for finding these and other species.

This outing will involve driving to three different locations. We'll start by meeting at Samish Unit West 90 and explore the wetland there that are frequented by numerous waterfowl. We'll then drive less than a mile to the Eagle Tree, an aptly name site home to a huge bald eagle nest that is also one of the best places to see elusive, day-flying short-eared owls. We will finish by driving about 15 minutes to the Padilla Bay Trail North Trailhead for an easy walk along the bay and multiple sloughs and wetlands (this trail is about four miles round trip if we go all the way to the end).

Please leave dogs at home for this outing, since they scare away wildlife (trained service animals are welcome, but please contact the leader in advance). Bring binoculars if you have them!

A Discover Pass is required for parking at Samish Unit 90 and other sites we'll be visiting.

The purpose of this outing is to support the Sierra Club's mission. You do not need to be a member of the Sierra Club to join us, yet we highly encourage you to show your support. For more information about becoming a member of the Sierra Club, please click here.

Questions? Contact the leader listed on the registration page.