|
The Olympic National Park is home to 18 species of birds that are not found elsewhere. More than 400 species can be sighted in the Park that has habitats ranging all the way from Ocean level to high mountainous tracts. This is for many birders, one of the most valuable birding sites in Washington State, if not in all of Western America. The Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge in the area is especially rich in shorebirds. The tidal mudflats in this region provide abundant food and attract large numbers of birds. More than 250 avian species, both resident and migrant, can be seen here. The Black Brant that can drink sea water loves the eel grass found in abundance here.
Whidbey Island in the Puget Sound that lies in the rain shadow of the Olympic Mountains is part of a thickly forested archipelago. The wetlands and deciduous trees are natural resting places for clouds of migrating birds. Eagles, kingfishers and warblers abound in this welcoming habitat. Other raptors, waterfowl and small perching birds delight visitors with their raucous calls and brilliant colors.
More than 500 Arctic birds of prey that belong to some 13 species migrate each winter to the Skagit Flats in the area around Mount Vernon and Burlington. Bald Eagles, Rough-legged hawks and peregrine falcons are the most common of the ferocious raptors on natural display. Trained volunteers help newcomers with birding along the upper reaches of the Skagit River. The birds are in stiff competition with each other for food and ‘might is right’ when it comes to feasting off prey. Some lucky birders have seen Snowy Owls in the area. This is a sign that conservation efforts are beginning to yield rich dividends.
The Lake Hills Greenbelt Park not far from Seattle has a wide variety of bird life within a relatively small area. It suits bird watchers on a short trip, especially if they have other reasons to visit Seattle. This Park has clear lakes and green meadows that draw migrant birds each spring and autumn. The habitat is also conducive for residents to settle and nest in peace.
Klickitat County is home to the Acorn Woodpecker, the Ash-Throated Flycatcher and the Lesser Goldfinch. Bickleton is affectionately known as the Bluebird Capital of the world as both mountain and forest variants of the bird are found along the Columbus River is such large numbers. Lyle Point is worth a visit as many birders have reported rare sightings here.
South King County is another hotspot for bird lovers. The City of Auburn has reserved wetlands to help build the bird population and has invested in infrastructure to let people enjoy bird watching without disturbing the feathered animals. The area around Rainier has a number of Parks with excellent birding opportunities and facilities.
The entire coastline of the State is a birder’s paradise. Migrating shorebirds are very fond of the estuary of Grays Harbor just West of Aberdeen. Pelagic Tours are available off the Pacific Coast and one can sight many kinds of albatross and petrels in the Pacific Ocean. The unusual variety of avian forms makes Washington a prime and an essential destination for bird watching enthusiasts. It is a good place for novices as well as they notch up impressive numbers of species sighted during their very first birding trip.
|
Artical Related:
Romantic travel destinations: attractions and things to do for couples in north dakota
Things to do for kids and children in birmingham
Bird watching trips in trinidad
Bird watching trips in michigan
Bird watching trips in Vermont



