Seattle offers many excellent locations for birdwatching throughout the city. The wide variety of habitats, from Puget Sound to lakes, forests, and parks, attracts a diverse range of resident and migratory bird species. Some of the top spots favored by birders include Discovery Park, Seward Park, Washington Park Arboretum, Union Bay Natural Area, Carkeek Park, Kubota Garden, and Magnuson Park.
Best Times of Year for Birdwatching in Seattle
The best times to go birdwatching in Seattle depend on what types of birds you hope to see. During the spring and fall migrations from March through May and September through November, Seattle hosts many migrant species that pass through on their way to breeding or wintering grounds. Resident birds can be spotted year-round, but are most active during their breeding seasons. Here are some of the best times to spot birds in Seattle:
- March – April: Spring migration brings shorebirds, waterfowl, hummingbirds, and songbirds like warblers, vireos, and flycatchers through Seattle.
- May – July: Resident birds like chickadees, woodpeckers, and bald eagles are nesting and feeding young.
- September – November: Fall migration includes hawks, waterfowl, sparrows, finches, and other songbirds heading south.
- December – February: Waterfowl including ducks, geese, and swans overwinter in Puget Sound and lakes.
The long days of spring and summer allow for extended birdwatching time during peak migration and breeding seasons. However, beautiful birds can be seen during every season in Seattle.
Top Birdwatching Locations in Seattle
Discovery Park
This 534-acre park in Magnolia is one of the best birding sites in Seattle, with a mix of forest, meadows, beaches, and Puget Sound shoreline. Over 200 species have been observed here. Look for bald eagles, peregrine falcons, seabirds like pigeon guillemots and cormorants, woodpeckers, and songbirds in the forests. The loop trail offers excellent views.
Seward Park
Located on Lake Washington, this 300-acre park hosts shorebirds, waterfowl, eagles, osprey, and songbirds like warblers and flycatchers, many of which can be seen from the 2.4 mile loop trail encircling the park. Wading birds like great blue herons feed in the lake shallows.
Washington Park Arboretum
This 230-acre arboretum managed by the University of Washington features extensive botanical collections with over 5,000 plant species. Migrating warblers feed on insects among the trees and shrubs in spring and fall. Resident species like chestnut-backed chickadees and Bushtits are present year-round.
Union Bay Natural Area
Encompassing Foster Island in Lake Washington, these wetlands provide critical stopover habitat for thousands of migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. Scope the main lagoon from the watchtower on Marsh Island. Look for raptors like bald eagles hunting for fish.
Carkeek Park
This park in northwest Seattle stretches along Puget Sound, where you can scan for loons, grebes, cormorants, and diving ducks from the beach. The upland forest hosts woodpeckers, nuthatches, and other resident species. Pipers Creek estuary harbors waterfowl and songbirds.
Kubota Garden
A prime birding spot in southeast Seattle, this stunning 20-acre Japanese garden features streams, ponds, and wetlands interspersed among hills and forests. Look for kingfishers, mallards, swallows, warblers, and more. The garden is especially lively during migration.
Magnuson Park
Grab a pair of binoculars and explore the diverse habitats of this 350-acre park, ranging from wetlands to forests to meadows. The Promontory Point area jutting into Lake Washington often hosts grebes, loons, and mergansers. Songbirds flit through the trees.
Best Bird Species to See in Seattle
Over 200 bird species have been recorded in Seattle. Here are some highlights:
Bird Type | Species to Look For |
---|---|
Seabirds | Rhinoceros auklet, pigeon guillemot, pelagic cormorant, bufflehead, bald eagle |
Waterfowl | Wood duck, hooded merganser, northern pintail, trumpeter swan |
Shorebirds | Greater yellowlegs, spotted sandpiper, killdeer, black turnstone |
Raptors | Bald eagle, peregrine falcon, red-tailed hawk, osprey |
Hummingbirds | Anna’s hummingbird, rufous hummingbird |
Woodpeckers | Northern flicker, downy woodpecker, pileated woodpecker |
Songbirds | Warblers, chickadees, Bushtit, American robin, Swainson’s thrush |
This list highlights just a sample of the diverse bird families and species that either reside in or migrate through Seattle throughout the year.
Tips for Birdwatching in Seattle
Here are some tips to make the most of your Seattle birdwatching experience:
- Bring binoculars and a field guide to help identify birds.
- Start early in the morning when birds are most active.
- Move slowly and pause frequently to scan for movement and listen for songs and calls.
- Look high up in the canopy for perched raptors and in low bushes for skulking sparrows.
- Search shorelines for wading birds and scan lakes for diving ducks and loons.
- Listen for the drumming of woodpeckers and the buzzy songs of hummingbirds.
- Stop at open meadows and forest clearings, prime foraging spots for many birds.
- Be patient, as some birds can take time to spot amid the trees and foliage.
- Avoid using birdcalls or audio lures, which can disrupt natural behavior.
- Respect trails, viewing platforms, and signs to minimize impact on habitats and wildlife.
With excellent parks and habitats, Seattle is a paradise for birdwatching. Follow these tips to safely spot a diversity of resident and migratory birds throughout the year.
Conclusion
Seattle offers outstanding birdwatching opportunities for beginners and experts alike. Destinations like Discovery Park, Seward Park, Washington Park Arboretum, and Union Bay Natural Area provide prime habitat for viewing seabirds, waterfowl, raptors, shorebirds, hummingbirds, woodpeckers, and plentiful songbirds during spring and fall migration. The parks’ varied landscapes, from beaches to wetlands to forests, attract diverse species. While spring and fall offer peak migrations, engaging birds can be spotted year-round. With a pair of binoculars, field guide, and patience, you’ll be rewarded with memorable sightings and songs. So grab your gear, head to one of Seattle’s birding hotspots, and see how many species you can spot!