Forest birding habitat

Alki (including north and south beaches)

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
ForestCoastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Alki (including north and south beaches) is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This forest and coastal habitat attracts Brant, Mallard, and Harlequin Duck among many others. Coastal and forest habitats support impressive year-round resident species and seasonal migrants.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Arctic Tern

Sterna paradisaea

7/21/2026Murden Cove & Estuary1 observed

Black Turnstone

Arenaria melanocephala

7/21/2026Edmonds Waterfront2 observed

Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

7/19/2026Kent Ponds (GRNRA)3 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

7/19/2026Van Doren's Landing Park1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

7/19/2026Discovery Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Pigeon Guillemot

27/21/2026

Bald Eagle

17/20/2026

Peregrine Falcon

17/20/2026

Rock Pigeon

7/19/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

7/19/2026

Caspian Tern

17/19/2026

Osprey

17/19/2026

European Starling

7/19/2026

House Sparrow

17/19/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

17/16/2026

Least Sandpiper

107/16/2026

Surf Scoter

17/15/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

27/15/2026

Killdeer

77/15/2026

Rhinoceros Auklet

47/15/2026

Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid)

87/15/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

37/15/2026

Great Blue Heron

57/15/2026

American Crow

157/15/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

27/15/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Pack rain gear — the best birding often coincides with drizzly conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Alki (including north and south beaches) for birding?
The best months to visit Alki (including north and south beaches) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Alki (including north and south beaches)?
Notable species at Alki (including north and south beaches) include Brant, Mallard, Harlequin Duck, Surf Scoter, Bufflehead. The area supports forest, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Alki (including north and south beaches)?
Birding at Alki (including north and south beaches) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Alki (including north and south beaches)?
Alki (including north and south beaches) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.