Waterfront Park | Waterfront Birding Event | Kimberle Stark
There are countless places to enjoy birds. Seattle Audubon members offer their suggestions for some lesser-known locations in the area that you might consider for your next local birding adventure.
Cedar River Trail
The Cedar River Trail runs along the Cedar River between Maple Valley and Lake Washington. Cedar River Park is at the mouth of the river in Renton where it empties into Lake Washington.
“For a long time, the Cedar River Trail and Park continued to be favorite locations of mine for a variety of gulls, waterfowl, passerines, the occasional Green Heron, terns, shorebirds, owls, hawks, Bald Eagles, and the Boeing Plant’s resident Peregrine Falcons.”Â
-Etta Cosy
Herring’s House Park and həʔapus Village Park
These adjacent parks are important archaeological, cultural, and ecological sites along the Duwamish River.
“The park was built in 1999 as a part of the Super Fund cleanup effort, designed as habitat for juvenile Chinook salmon with an intertidal estuary. This unique habitat attracts many migratory species as they move up the coast, including tanagers, orioles, grosbeaks, and thrushes. On any given day one might find wrens, kinglets, sparrows, and jays, alongside ducks, gulls, and raptors.”
-Deb Heiden Â
Pier 62 Waterfront Park
Waterfront Park is a 20-acre park along the downtown shoreline with views of Elliott Bay and the urban skyline.
Constellation Park
A West Seattle shoreline park made for tide pool enthusiasts.
“At low tide, shorebirds like Black Turnstones and Sanderlings can be seen foraging on the intertidal vegetation. Sea ducks such as Common Goldeneye, Harlequin Ducks, Bufflehead, and Surf Scoters forage on small fish and vegetation. In winter, a variety of mergansers, grebes, and loons dive for fish. As an added bonus you may see a California sea lion, Harbor seal or even a pod of Orcas.”
– Deb HeidenÂ
Click on the map to see some of the other Hidden Gems mentioned by our members. In addition to the parks and greenspaces highlighted above, you might also consider Martha Washington Park, Freeway Park, Occidental Square, or Twin Ponds.
Explore other articles in this issue of EarthCare Northwest | Summer 2022
From Young Birder, to Collision Monitor, to Lifelong Advocate | EarthCare Northwest
Yoon Lee isn’t sure where to credit his fascination with birds – Wild Kratts television show, an Anna’s Hummingbird on his school campus, or a global pandemic. Either way, it is here to stay, and he is busy creating a better future for birds in our community through his activism.
Five Destinations in North America for Bird-related Travel | EarthCare Northwest
Just as birds are in the midst of their spring migration, you may also be feeling the pull to plan your next vacation. Pack your field guide and binoculars and check out one of these great birding destinations in North America to plan your next trip around.
Making the Most of Nesting Season | EarthCare Northwest
Dan McDougall-Treacy writes about observing the nesting and fledging of birds from home. Depending on the species you might be trying to attract, providing nesting materials and nest boxes, and your own garden practices, can set birds up for greater success.
Member Lending Library: Birds, Travel, & Behavior | EarthCare Northwest
If you’ve never set foot in the basement of the Nature Shop, you may not be aware of the treasure trove of bird books available for our members. Take a peek inside our Member Lending Library, and borrow a book during your next visit.