Forest birding habitat

Kent Ponds

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
ForestCoastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Kent Ponds is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 223 species recorded on eBird. This forest and coastal habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, and Mallard 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

Tufted Puffin

Fratercula cirrhata

5/31/2026Ruston Way Waterfront1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

5/31/2026Duwamish--Herring House Park/ Kellogg Island8 observed

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

5/31/2026Union Bay Natural Area/Montlake Fill1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

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

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/30/2026Lewis Creek Park1 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

5/30/2026Point Defiance Park--Dune Peninsula & Wilson Way1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

15/30/2026

Rufous Hummingbird

25/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/30/2026

Osprey

15/30/2026

Bald Eagle

15/30/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

35/30/2026

Northern Flicker

65/30/2026

American Kestrel

15/30/2026

California Scrub-Jay

15/30/2026

American Crow

45/30/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

25/30/2026

Tree Swallow

105/30/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

15/30/2026

Barn Swallow

105/30/2026

Brown Creeper

15/30/2026

European Starling

55/30/2026

American Robin

65/30/2026

Cedar Waxwing

135/30/2026

House Finch

25/30/2026

Purple Finch

25/30/2026

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 Kent Ponds for birding?
The best months to visit Kent Ponds for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Kent Ponds?
Notable species at Kent Ponds include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Mallard, Hooded Merganser, Common Merganser. The area supports forest, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Kent Ponds?
Birding at Kent Ponds is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Kent Ponds?
Kent Ponds offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.