Samish Flats

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
ForestCoastal
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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

Loading map...

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

3/5/2026Skagit Wildlife Area--Wiley Slough1 observed

Whooper Swan

Cygnus cygnus

3/5/202617673 Sam Bell Road, Bow, Washington, US (48.515, -122.364)1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

3/5/2026Washington Park, Anacortes1 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

3/2/2026Northern State Recreation Area, Sedro Woolley US-WA 48.52872, -122.195371 observed

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

2/28/2026Hundred Acre Wood1 observed

Cinnamon Teal

Spatula cyanoptera

2/27/2026Dike Rd Pond (48.343, -122.35)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Shoveler

13/2/2026

Eurasian Wigeon

43/2/2026

American Wigeon

3/2/2026

Mallard

3/2/2026

Northern Pintail

3/2/2026

Green-winged Teal

3/2/2026

Dunlin

5003/2/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

3/2/2026

Trumpeter Swan

402/26/2026

Great Blue Heron

32/26/2026

Northern Harrier

12/26/2026

Bald Eagle

32/26/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

12/26/2026

Short-eared Owl

22/26/2026

American Crow

42/26/2026

European Starling

2002/26/2026

Song Sparrow

32/26/2026

Snow Goose

2002/26/2026

Bufflehead

32/26/2026

Common Merganser

42/26/2026

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.