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

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

6/1/2026Pier 621 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

6/1/2026Marymoor Park--Interpretive Trail1 observed

Short-billed Gull

Larus brachyrhynchus

6/1/2026Etta Turner Park1 observed

Horned Puffin

Fratercula corniculata

6/1/2026Edmonds Waterfront1 observed

Parasitic Jaeger

Stercorarius parasiticus

5/31/2026Edmonds Public Fishing Pier1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

5/31/2026Juanita Bay Park4 observed

Manx Shearwater

Puffinus puffinus

5/31/2026Marina Beach Park1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

5/30/20269516 Waters Ave S, Seattle US-WA 47.51755, -122.259081 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Bufflehead

35/31/2026

Rock Pigeon

95/31/2026

Killdeer

25/31/2026

Parasitic Jaeger

15/31/2026

Rhinoceros Auklet

205/31/2026

Marbled Murrelet

45/31/2026

Pigeon Guillemot

45/31/2026

California Gull

65/31/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

35/31/2026

Western Grebe

105/31/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

15/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

95/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Osprey

25/31/2026

Northern Flicker

25/31/2026

American Crow

185/31/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

35/31/2026

Violet-green Swallow

45/31/2026

Bushtit

25/31/2026

European Starling

75/31/2026

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.