Mallard ducks resting on a fallen log near water.

Union Bay Natural Area/Montlake Fill

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Union Bay Natural Area/Montlake Fill is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 264 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Northern Shoveler 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

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

6/2/2026Magnuson Park1 observed

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

6/2/2026Pier 621 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

6/2/2026Discovery Park--West Point3 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

6/1/2026Marymoor Park--Interpretive Trail1 observed

Northern House Wren

Troglodytes aedon

6/1/2026Wallace Swamp Creek Park1 observed

Short-billed Gull

Larus brachyrhynchus

6/1/2026Etta Turner Park1 observed

Horned Puffin

Fratercula corniculata

6/1/2026Edmonds Waterfront1 observed

Parasitic Jaeger

Stercorarius parasiticus

5/31/2026Edmonds Public Fishing Pier1 observed

Manx Shearwater

Puffinus puffinus

5/31/2026Marina Beach Park1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

5/30/20269516 Waters Ave S, Seattle US-WA 47.51755, -122.259081 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

6/2/2026

Northern Shoveler

26/2/2026

Gadwall

36/2/2026

Mallard

6/2/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

16/2/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

16/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/2/2026

Osprey

16/2/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Northern Flicker

16/2/2026

Willow Flycatcher

16/2/2026

American Crow

6/2/2026

Tree Swallow

16/2/2026

Violet-green Swallow

16/2/2026

Barn Swallow

16/2/2026

Cliff Swallow

26/2/2026

Marsh Wren

76/2/2026

Bewick's Wren

36/2/2026

American Robin

6/2/2026

Cedar Waxwing

26/2/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Union Bay Natural Area/Montlake Fill for birding?
The best months to visit Union Bay Natural Area/Montlake Fill for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Union Bay Natural Area/Montlake Fill?
Notable species at Union Bay Natural Area/Montlake Fill include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Northern Flicker, Rock Pigeon, American Crow, Double-crested Cormorant, Hooded Merganser, Black-capped Chickadee, Bald Eagle. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Union Bay Natural Area/Montlake Fill?
Birding at Union Bay Natural Area/Montlake Fill is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Union Bay Natural Area/Montlake Fill?
There is no entrance fee at Union Bay Natural Area/Montlake Fill. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Union Bay Natural Area/Montlake Fill?
Union Bay Natural Area/Montlake Fill offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.