Whatcom County Birding
KEYS:
Point Roberts Loons, sea ducks, gulls, alcids and water birds of many species, as well as Yellow-billed Loons are often seen in winter months.
Drayton Harbor/Semiahmoo Bay One of 53 Important Bird Areas in Washington state. Large numbers of loons, sea ducks, dabbling and diving ducks, grebes, and many other species, especially during winter and in migration
Birch Bay/ Point Whitehorn/ Cherry Point Large, shallow bay especially good in winter and in migration. Large concentrations of birds in the spring on the southwestern part of the bay and between Point Whitehorn and Cherry Point, where flocks of up to 25,000 scoters, loons, gulls, murres, and other species feed on herring roe. This is a spectacle not to be missed!
Lummi Flats One of the single best sites in the county for raptors, including falcons, buteos, eagles, and shrikes, as well as for swans and other waterfowl. Birders should limit their activity to paved roads. The area is mostly on the Lummi reservation and the tribal government does not want birders going off on unpaved roads that lead to tribal land.
Hale Passage From several vantage points, a good area to observe loons, terns, alcids, and jaegers in migration, along with several species of sea ducks, and Bald Eagles.
Nooksack River Delta Good area for swans and other waterfowl, wading birds, shorebirds, and Bald Eagles. A scope is an essential tool for viewing in this area. 8. Bellingham Habitats ranging from shorelines to forested hills, numerous city parks, lakes, and trails offer an impressive variety of bird species, from loons, sea ducks, and shorebirds to Hooded Mergansers and Dippers, as well as several species of owls.
Bellingham Habitats Ranging from shorelines to forested hills, numerous city parks, lakes, and trails offer an impressive variety of bird species, from loons, sea ducks, and shorebirds to Hooded Mergansers and Dippers, as well as several species of owls.
Chuckanut Bay/ Larrabee State Park From saltwater to upland habitats on Chuckant Mountain, this is a seasonally-rich area with many nesting birds in spring and early summer. Four species of owls are resident in this area.
Scudder Pond/Whatcom Falls Park Scudder Pond is an urban preserve owned by North Cascades Audubon that is showing amazing potential for a variety of species, including Wood Ducks, night herons, Green Herons, Virginia Rails, and Soras. A trail leads from the pond into Whatcom Falls Park and potential for numerous woodland species.
Tennant Lake Good area for waterfowl and raptors in winter with bitterns, Marsh Wrens, Common Yellowthroats, swallows, rails, and herons among the regular breeding species in spring and early summer. Hunting season requires that you plan ahead.
Lake Terrell Good area in nesting season for ducks, geese, marsh birds, swallows, and passerines. Large numbers of waterfowl are here in winter and in spring. Another hunting area in the fall and winter.
Wiser Lake The only non-hunting lake in the county can be covered with waterfowl during the hunting season. A scope is essential if you plan to bird in this area since the access is somewhat limited.
North Fork Eagle Preserve This park along the Nooksack River is a prime location to view wintering Bald Eagles as they feed on spawning salmon from December to March. This is a Whatcom Land Trust property, more info.
Mt. Baker/North Cascades/Hart's Pass Mountain species such as pipits, rosy finches, ptarmigan, swifts Horned Larks, and upland breeders can be found in the alpine habitats of this large area. Hart’s Pass is considered to be one of the best locations in the state to view raptor migration in the fall.
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Skagit County Birding
Please follow the link https://www.skagitaudubon.org/birding/birding-skagit for great birding in our neighboring county.
Cascade Loop Birding Trail
For More Locations in Our Area See the Great Washington State Birding Trail Map - Cascade Loop
Cascade Loop Trail