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

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

5/31/2026Channel Drive2 observed

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

5/31/2026Skagit Wildlife Area--Fir Island Farm Reserve (Hayton Reserve)1 observed

Manx Shearwater

Puffinus puffinus

5/31/2026Near house2 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

5/31/2026Northern State Recreation Area1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

5/30/2026Taylor Stairs & Vicinity (48.725, -122.494)5 observed

Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

5/30/2026Skagit Wildlife Area--Wiley Slough2 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

5/29/2026Skagit Wildlife Area--Fir Island Farm Reserve (Hayton Reserve)2 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

5/28/2026Skagit Wildlife Area--Wiley Slough3 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

5/28/2026Skagit Wildlife Area--Fir Island Farm Reserve (Hayton Reserve)4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Savannah Sparrow

15/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

15/31/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

25/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

85/30/2026

Northern Harrier

25/30/2026

Bald Eagle

25/30/2026

American Crow

45/30/2026

Common Raven

25/30/2026

European Starling

105/30/2026

Common Yellowthroat

25/30/2026

Killdeer

15/24/2026

Great Blue Heron

345/24/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/24/2026

Northern Flicker

15/24/2026

Tree Swallow

15/24/2026

Barn Swallow

45/24/2026

American Robin

25/24/2026

Mourning Dove

15/23/2026

Olive-sided Flycatcher

15/23/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

25/23/2026

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.