Coastal birding habitat

Samish Island

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Samish Island is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 223 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Pacific Wren, American Robin, and House Sparrow 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

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

7/13/2026Aleck Bay Park, Lopez Island6 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

Common Raven

17/20/2026

House Sparrow

27/20/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

17/20/2026

Mourning Dove

17/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

77/20/2026

Bald Eagle

17/20/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/20/2026

Northern Flicker

17/20/2026

Willow Flycatcher

17/20/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

67/20/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

27/20/2026

Barn Swallow

77/20/2026

Bushtit

87/20/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

47/20/2026

European Starling

357/20/2026

American Robin

87/20/2026

American Goldfinch

57/20/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

47/20/2026

Song Sparrow

27/20/2026

Spotted Towhee

37/20/2026

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 Samish Island for birding?
The best months to visit Samish Island for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Samish Island?
Notable species at Samish Island include Pacific Wren, American Robin, House Sparrow, Dark-eyed Junco, Canada Goose. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Samish Island?
Birding at Samish Island is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Samish Island?
Samish Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.