Coastal birding habitat

Point Defiance Park - Dune Peninsula & Wilson Way

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
CoastalUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Point Defiance Park - Dune Peninsula & Wilson Way is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 229 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and urban park habitat attracts Canada Goose, Surf Scoter, and Bufflehead 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

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

7/21/2026M Street Marsh/Emerald Downs1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

7/20/2026Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR1 observed

Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

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

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

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

Short-billed Gull

Larus brachyrhynchus

7/18/2026Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Caspian Tern

17/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/21/2026

Osprey

17/21/2026

Bald Eagle

17/21/2026

American Crow

27/21/2026

Common Raven

17/21/2026

Purple Martin

37/21/2026

Barn Swallow

47/21/2026

European Starling

87/21/2026

American Goldfinch

17/21/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

17/21/2026

Song Sparrow

17/21/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

17/21/2026

Rock Pigeon

47/20/2026

Northern Flicker

17/20/2026

Canada Goose

117/18/2026

Killdeer

17/18/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/18/2026

Tree Swallow

87/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Point Defiance Park - Dune Peninsula & Wilson Way for birding?
The best months to visit Point Defiance Park - Dune Peninsula & Wilson Way for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Point Defiance Park - Dune Peninsula & Wilson Way?
Notable species at Point Defiance Park - Dune Peninsula & Wilson Way include Canada Goose, Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser. The area supports coastal, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Point Defiance Park - Dune Peninsula & Wilson Way?
Birding at Point Defiance Park - Dune Peninsula & Wilson Way is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Point Defiance Park - Dune Peninsula & Wilson Way?
Point Defiance Park - Dune Peninsula & Wilson Way offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.