Forest birding habitat

Samish Flats

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
ForestCoastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Samish Flats is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 215 species recorded on eBird. This forest and coastal habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, Eurasian Wigeon, 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

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

7/20/20263265 Lummi Shore Road, Bellingham, Washington, US (48.76, -122.61)18 observed

Surfbird

Calidris virgata

7/19/2026Williamson Rocks4 observed

Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

7/19/2026Skagit Wildlife Area--Wiley Slough1 observed

Western Gull

Larus occidentalis

7/18/2026Rosario Beach / Rosario Head1 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

7/18/2026Wickersham area of Samish River1 observed

Fox Sparrow (Sooty)

Passerella iliaca

7/12/2026Barnes Island (Private)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Harrier

27/21/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/21/2026

American Kestrel

17/21/2026

Savannah Sparrow

47/21/2026

Great Horned Owl

17/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

207/19/2026

Bald Eagle

17/19/2026

Barn Swallow

47/19/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

27/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/18/2026

Northern Flicker

17/18/2026

American Crow

27/18/2026

Purple Martin

47/18/2026

Bewick's Wren

17/18/2026

European Starling

407/18/2026

Swainson's Thrush

17/18/2026

American Robin

17/18/2026

Cedar Waxwing

27/18/2026

House Finch

67/18/2026

American Goldfinch

107/18/2026

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 Samish Flats for birding?
The best months to visit Samish Flats for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Samish Flats?
Notable species at Samish Flats include Northern Shoveler, Eurasian Wigeon, American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail. The area supports forest, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Samish Flats?
Birding at Samish Flats is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Samish Flats?
Samish Flats offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.