Spencer Island
Washington · Pacific Northwest
Moderate
March-May, November-January
Free
Dawn to dusk daily
About This Location
Spencer Island is a 425-acre wetland preserve at the confluence of the Snohomish and Steamboat Slough rivers near Everett, Washington. The island's restored tidal marsh, freshwater ponds, and riparian forest create one of the best birding sites in the greater Seattle area for waterfowl, shorebirds, and marsh birds.
The island is split between a managed wildlife area (north half, owned by Snohomish County) and a natural tidal marsh (south half). The cross-dike trail provides excellent views of both halves. Spring brings returning Osprey, nesting Red-winged Blackbirds and Marsh Wrens, and migrant shorebirds on the mudflats. The marshes host Virginia Rails and American Bitterns, while the riparian edges attract Yellow Warblers and Common Yellowthroats. Bald Eagles nest nearby and are a regular sight year-round.
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
Yellow-breasted Chat
Icteria virens
Rock Wren
Salpinctes obsoletus
Eastern Kingbird
Tyrannus tyrannus
Sooty Grouse
Dendragapus fuliginosus
Parasitic Jaeger
Stercorarius parasiticus
Manx Shearwater
Puffinus puffinus
Heermann's Gull
Larus heermanni
Black Oystercatcher
Haematopus bachmani
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Anna's Hummingbird
Northern Flicker
Steller's Jay
California Scrub-Jay
American Crow
Black-capped Chickadee
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Red-breasted Nuthatch
European Starling
American Robin
House Sparrow
House Finch
American Goldfinch
Dark-eyed Junco
White-crowned Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Spotted Towhee
Red-winged Blackbird
Bewick's Wren
Birding Tips
- 1
Park at the 4th Street trailhead in Everett and walk the elevated dike trail to the island
- 2
The cross-dike trail bisecting the island provides the best views of both managed and wild marsh habitats
- 3
Spring high tides push shorebirds onto the exposed mudflats closest to the trail
- 4
Visit during spring migration (April-May) for the greatest species diversity
- 5
Winter birding can be rewarding for waterfowl, raptors, and winter finches
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Jetty Island
- Langus Riverfront Park
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Washington Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in Washington →