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). Although 2pm is our estimated finish time, it's possible we'll be done a bit earlier or slightly later.
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). We'll be following
Leave No Trace principles. Bring binoculars if you have them!
A Discover Pass is required for parking at Samish Unit 90 and other sites we'll be visiting. A porta potty bathroom is generally available at Samish Unit 90, and we'll also have the option to stop and use the bathrooms at Bay View State Park.
Sierra Club cannot organize or assume liability for carpools. However, those wishing to self-organize carpools are encouraged to meet at the
South Bellingham Park & Ride (East) at
9:15am.Directions: From Bellingham, follow I-5 South and take exit 236 for Bow Hill Rd toward Bow-Edison. Turn right onto Bow Hill Rd and continue onto Main St. Turn right onto Mactaggart Ave; Mactaggart Ave turns left and becomes Cains Ct; Cains Ct turns right and becomes Farm to Market Rd. Turn right onto Bayview Edison Rd and continue straight onto Samish Island Rd. Samish Unit 90 will be on the left
COVID-19 - No vaccine or tests are required for this outing. You may be walking with people who are vaccinated and unvaccinated. You are welcome to wear a mask if it makes you comfortable. Please stay home if you are sick or experiencing any COVID symptoms.
Waiver - All participants in Sierra Club activities are required to sign a standard Participation Agreement when rsvping or at the trailhead. You can review the agreement form at the trailhead or
here. Medical - If you have any medical issues the leaders should know about, please tell the leader in person before you start the walk. You may also provide pertinent medical information about yourself (emergency contact, allergies, medications, and general medical history) on a Sierra Club medical form that is available
here or from the leader at the meeting point. Your medical information will be referred to or passed along to emergency responders if you have a medical emergency during the walk. It is a good idea to keep a copy in your pack.
Level: Easy
Cost: Free
Signup Instructions: Advance registration is required
Bring: Sturdy shoes for walking through mud, clothing layers appropriate for the weather, a full water bottle, snacks or lunch, and a Discover Pass.
Carpool: Carpooling is welcome and encouraged, but carpools must be self-organized.
Note: Carpool transportation is at the sole risk of the participants.
Cancellation Policy: Activity is held rain or shine, but may be altered due to inclement weather
Learn more about the birds of Samish Flats