Magnuson Park

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, 4 AM - 11:30 PM

About This Location

Magnuson Park is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 226 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, and American Wigeon 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

Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

3/6/2026Frager Rd. (north)1 observed

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

3/5/2026Union Bay Natural Area/Montlake Fill1 observed

Spotted Towhee (maculatus Group)

Pipilo maculatus

3/5/2026Port Orchard Yard1 observed

Song Sparrow (melodia/atlantica)

Melospiza melodia

3/5/2026Marymoor Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

53/5/2026

Gadwall

43/5/2026

American Wigeon

233/5/2026

Mallard

223/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

23/5/2026

Greater Scaup

933/5/2026

Bufflehead

53/5/2026

Common Merganser

13/5/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

13/5/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

13/5/2026

Virginia Rail

13/5/2026

Short-billed Gull

23/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

83/5/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

23/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

23/5/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Northern Flicker

23/5/2026

American Crow

83/5/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

13/5/2026

Bushtit

203/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    This urban green space acts as a migrant trap — birds concentrate here during migration, especially after overnight flights.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Magnuson Park for birding?
The best months to visit Magnuson Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Magnuson Park?
Notable species at Magnuson Park include Canada Goose, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Northern Flicker, Rock Pigeon, American Crow, Double-crested Cormorant, Hooded Merganser, Black-capped Chickadee, Bald Eagle. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Magnuson Park?
Birding at Magnuson Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Magnuson Park?
There is no entrance fee at Magnuson Park. Hours: Open daily, 4 AM - 11:30 PM.
What amenities are available at Magnuson Park?
Magnuson Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.