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Birdwatching in Washington

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Local Birdwatchers

Using the Birdingpal resources you must agree to the following: If you contact a local Birdingpal and make arrangement to go birding, you should note it is common courtesy to make sure you show up for the appointment. If for any reason you are unable to do this, the least you must do is contacting the local Pal right away.
Please note that most Birdingpals are serious birdwatchers. It is a privilege to contact them, and your message should reflect it. A local Pal does not get paid, but should he/she offer to take you out birding, using their own vehicle, it would be courteous to pay for the fuel. A lunch and/or a small gift would also be appropriate, something as simple as a souvenir of your country, or a pin from your local birding club.
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Initial Last Name Area Available Language
C Warneke Allyn Anytime English, German
We are close to Theler Wetlands at the south end of Hood Canal as well as close to Case Inlet, the westernmost arm of Puget Sound. The Olympic Peninsula is north and west. There is an Audubon birding trail map for the Olympic Loop with 54 sites listed. We are a ferry ride across Puget Sound from Seattle.
M Willison Auburn Weekend English
M Carpenter Bellevue Anytime English

 

  C & F Frost Belllingham Anytime English
  Birding in this area since 2014. Proficient at birding by ear. I usually bird with my teenage children along, and I am game to share what I know with birders of all ages. Area:
Whatcom County / NW Washington State.

Semiahmoo Spit, Samish Flats, Wiley Slough, Sandy Point, Mt Baker.

Area Birds:
Interests:
Nature: birdwatching, twitching.
Travel: stroll, walking, hiking, train, car, long walk, canoe.
Visit: tourist site, museum, monument, arboretum, architecture appreciation.

S Aronoff Bellingham Anytime English, French, Spanish
D Hancock Blaine Anytime English
V Biltz Bonney Lake Anytime English
Have done numerous surveys in the past, with a focus on bird calls, a bit rusty, but very willing to help someone out, and take places, when I am available. NOT on weekends, ever.
C Webb Cle Elum Weekend English
Kittitas county has habitat from alpine forest to desert shrub steppe, so it has a wide variety of birds. I am avid birder and photographer.


J Adams Whidbey Island Anytime English
I began birding in earnest in 1975. My initial focus was on New England birds but since 2000 I have birded all across the United States, including the Pacific Northwest, where I now live.

Birdingpals have helped me many times over the years. I'd like to pay that back by helping people find new or target birds here on Whidbey Island.
Area:
Crockett Lake, Deer Lagoon, Dugualla Bay

Area Birds:
Waterfowl, Passerines, Raptors, Shorebirds, Sea Birds
Interests:
Nature, birdwatching, butterflies, history.

L Falb Deer Harbor, San Juan Islands Anytime English
H Barbour Deer Harbor, San Juan Islands Anytime English
I live on Orcas Island in the San Juan Group, we have a mix of terrestrial, shoreline, water and pelagic species. I am by no means an expert birder, but I have been at it for 50 + years.
S Koon Edmonds Anytime English, some Spanish
There are a number of small wetland/bird watching parks in Edmonds as well as the puget sound that is right here. I love watching birds but have never gone on any organized birding trips. I would love to learn more about birds!
H Feddern Federal Way Anytime English, German
I have been birding since childhood and now lived in the Seattle area for 20 years. Mainly bird Western Washington, including Pacific Coast, but also bird Eastern Washington and Oregon. Being retired I am normally available anytime.
L Parshall Gig Harbor Weekend English
Interested in birds, nature and wildlife. Living in the Greater Puget Sound area, there is a lot of access to both fresh and saltwater habitats. Theler Wetlands is 10 miles from my home and Nisqually Wildlife Refuge is a 45 minute drive. Many of the local Audubon chapters have weekly walks in good areas for a broad range of birding skill levels. And, the local listserv, Tweeters, moderated through the Burke Museum provides daily alerts and information about sightings.


 

  B Antler Skagit Valley Anytime English,Spanish
  My name is Barry A. I live in the Skagit Valley which is world renowned for its birding (It even made a brief appearance in the movie, "A Good Year). The Skagit Valley is located in the Pacific Northwest in the state of Washington, USA. I speak English and a limited amount of Spanish.

I got back into birding recently after a long hiatus. I was into it in my late teens/early 20's, and now here I am once again picking it up again in my mid-60's. I belong to the Skagit Audubon Society and join them on most of their field trips.
Area:
There are numerous hotspots within a short drive from where I live. Wetlands, marshes, forests and extensive farmlands attract a wide range of endemic and migratory birds. Some of my favorite places for birding are

Skagit Flats: Fir Island (48.349580 -122.392004) - (the area between the north and south forks of the Skagit River) fall to spring - good place to see Snow Geese, Trumpeter and Tundra Swans, as well as raptors, Western Meadowlarks.

Jensen Access (48.338421 -122.433554) - geese, shorebirds, sea ducks, eagles, Snowy Owls. North

Fork Access (48.355569 -122.460000) - Short-eared Owls and Northern Harriers.

Skagit Bay- Skagit Wildlife Area - Wylie Slough Area (48.325001 -122.378109) - woodpeckers and other terrestrial species, Great-horned Owls, Northern Shrike. In summer there are many nesting species including Marsh Wrens, Virginia Rails, Soras, Blue-winged and Cinnamon Teal, Wood Ducks, Tree Swallows, and Northern Flickers.


Interests:
Nature: Photography, hiking, sailing, swimming, road trips, world traveling
Travel: plane, train, bus, car, ebiking, long walks, reading, volunteering at a local historic movie theater, and Covid-19 test site.
Visit: Tourist sites, museums, restaurants
Attend: Concerts, live music
Participate: Rock, folk, world and classical music, craft beer



C Sandstrom Kent Anytime English
M Johnston Kent Anytime English
Washington State hosts a wide variety of habitats that together provide exceptional birding opportunities throughout the year. I have led birding trips for Seattle Audubon and the Sierra Club for years and particularly enjoy showing folks from out of state or other countries what Washington has to offer. I'm available most days for trips in King and Kittitas Counties. I'm also open to considering other areas or searches for specific species on a case by case basis.
M Hobbs Kirkland Anytime English


 

  M Sheldon Langley Anytime, but prefer weekdays over weekends and afternoons over mornings. English
  I am an intermediate-level birdwatcher, but I know some of Whidbey Island's hot spots quite well. My passion is photographing birds, which implies a leisurely pace and beautiful souvenirs of the outing. Samples of my photos can be seen on Instagram Area:
Deer Lagoon, Crockett Lake, Sunlight Beach, Penn Cove

Area Birds:
White Pelicans, Osprey feeding, Pigeon Guillemot, Bald Eagles, Harlequin ducks

Interests:
Nature: birdwatching, , photography, , fishing, , swimming, beach
Travel: stroll, walking, hiking, , car, , biking, long walk
Visit: , museum, restaurant, club, cooking, vineyard, monument, arboretum, architecture appreciation, shop, antique, books
Participate: rock, country, classical, wine, beer, liquor




C Bardue Langley, WA by appointment English
My wife and I are amateur birders who enjoy meeting new and different people who enjoy birding. Area:


Area Birds:
varied thrush, bewick's wren, nuthatch
Interests:
B Hansen Lyle Anytime English, Spanish

 

  T Cunningham Moses lake Anytime English
  Birding is an exciting hobby of mine! Any time spent outside is a time to bird! I would be able to show you local areas that are homes to many species. Moses Lake is also a great migration area for many birds too! Area:
Moses Lake, Banks Lake, Columbia Refuge Wildlife Preserve, Potholes Reservoir

Area Birds:
Ducks, swallows, birds of prey, geese, warblers, shrikes, sparrows
Interests:
Nature: birdwatching

N Gayle Montesano, Westport Weekend English


K Adelson Olympia, Washington State Anytime English
I am a volunteer at the Billy Frank Jr NWR (where I lead beginner bird and interpretative walks) and am very active in our local Audubon Society. Birding is my main hobby.

Many birds that summer in Alaska winter in our area, so there is a lot to see all year round. I would be willing to bird locally or drive to the shore.
Area:
BJF Nisqually NWR

Area Birds:
bald eagle, violet-green swallows, cackling geese, chestnut-backed chickadee
Interests:
Nature: birdwatching, twitching
Travel: walking, hiking,
Visit: tourist site, museum, restaurant, vineyard, arboretum, architecture appreciation,
Attend: concert, ballet, theatre, live music, political rally,

T Schooley Olympia Anytime English
C McIntyre Olympia Anytime English
I am a new bird enthusiast, meaning I enjoy looking and watching, but am not totally driven to figure out exactly what I am looking at (altho I try). I particularly enjoy the birds at my feeder (Downy Woodpecker, Flicker, Chickadee, Nuthatch, Townsend Warbler, Goldfinch, Hummers, to name a few), and also the Sandhill Crane and Snow Geese that migrate along the west coast. Oh, yes, and the Great Blue Herons that hang out down by the lake. I've been doing some travelling lately, so I'm not always here, but generally available by e-mail. Olympia is located at the southern tip of Puget sound, lots of water, lots of nature easily available. Nisqually Wildlife Refuge is about 10 miles north; most of the trails have recently been closed as they put the finishing touches on reclaiming the salt marsh. I take a camera everywhere and occasionally catch a good shot!
W Hatfield Olympia. Anytime English
Nisqually Refuge is my favorite place to bird. I am not an expert, but am learning and always carry my field guide. I work graveyard and am always ready to go in the morning.
J Grettenberger Olympia. Anytime English, Spanish, French
I am close to a variety of habitats in Olympia, ranging from prairies to marine and mountains, but I'm willing to go farther afield. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, which is particularly good for waterbirds, is also nearby. I am more likely to be available during the week.
K Wood Orcas Island Anytime English
I live next to the Frank Richardson Wildfowl Refuge, on Orcas Island. This intact ecosystem has good populations of many of the lowland NorthWest species. There are also opportunities for arranging boat trips for local and migratory seabirds in the San Juan Islands.
B Man Port Townsend Anytime English, Francais
Beautiful location right on the water, with shore birds, raptors, many LBJ's, too.
K Nelson Pu Anytime English
I bird Steptoe Butte, Steptoe Canyon and Pullman. The Palouse, much more notorious for its landscapes than birds. We have a nearby arboretum at the University of Idaho, and a bountiful number of Red-tailed Hawks throughout the wheat fields of the Palouse.



E Pullen Puyallup, WA quite variable, I travel a lot, call and see. Just English
I am sometimes available for half day or full day trips. Full day trips could be to the coast, like Ocean Shores or Westport, WA. Half day or local trips could be to Nisqually NWR, local birding spots. I'm a fairly competent birder, not an expert. Area:
Nisqually NWR, Tacoma areas

Area Birds:
CBCH, CAVI, GWGU,
Interests:
Nature: birdwatching, twitching, photography, butterflies, fishing, skiing, swimming, beach, surfing, snowmobiling, sky divingTravel: stroll, walking, hiking, climbing, train, bus, car, hitchhiking, biking, long walk, packpack, portage, canoe, ship, cruise, pilot, dog sled, snow mobileVisit: tourist site, museum, restaurant, club, vineyard, ski run/trail, monument, arboretum, architecture appreciation, shop, antique, fashion, techAttend: concert, horse race, ballet, dance show, theatre, live music, sports event, auction, antique, convention, political rally, protest, competition, swapParticipate: night life, party, dance, club, bar, rock, country, classical, hiphop, rap, swing, wine, beer, liquor, social games, computer games, casino
G Hendrickson Redmond Anytime English
G Oliver Redmon Weekend English
Seattle Washing and surrounding area. Winter is good for large variety of waterfowl which winter here. Spring and fall are best for migrants and larger number of species. August is particularly slow; so going up to higher elevation to look for those speciality species is best in August.
K Hansen Renton Anytime English, Norwegian
I work various shifts, but prefer to do my birding on week-days. Maybe you are here in the Seattle area for business and would like to get out for some birding between work. That is what I do when I travel, so I'd love to be able to reciprocate. Intermediate to advanced is my level, but any level is welcome.



R Hill Ridgefield, Washington Anytime w/ sufficient notice, limitations during summer banding & soccer seasons English
I am a retired refuge manager, biologist, and now volunteer well connected to the birding community in WA through five years on the Board of the Washington Ornithological Society. In addition to Clark County I worked 20 years in the Potholes area of E WA, ran BBS routes for 20 years, and helped establish and coordinate the Sandhill Crane Festival in Othello. Also worked 5 years each in ND and NM/AZ, and started birding in CA. Area:
Ridgefield NWR, Vancouver Lowlands

Area Birds:
Waterfowl, marshbirds, shorebirds during migration, breeding songbirds
Interests:

 

  P. Dunwiddie Seattle, Washington Anytime English
  I am an ecologist, have lived in Seattle over 20 years, and enjoy birding throughout the Pacific Northwest. There are numerous opportunities to see both fresh and saltwater birds, as well as habitats ranging from lowland prairies to conifer forests, montane and alpine sites, and desert landscapes. Area:
Favorites sites in Seattle include Union Bay Natural Area, Magnuson Park, Discovery Park

Area Birds:

Interests:
Nature: Most aspects of nature – birds, photography, butterflies, plants, hiking, backpacking, kayaking



R Bartanen Seattle, Washington Anytime: Sundays, Mondays or Tuesdays English
As a bird guide, I focus on mindful, urban and accessible birding, promoting female bird guides through my ‘Female Bird Guide Resource List’ as well as writing about the culture and joy of birds and birding. My passions include inclusivity, diversity and accessibility in the outdoors. Area:
Union Bay Natural Area, Green Lake, Magnuson Park

There are more than 500 bird species in Washington state and many great birding spots in Seattle and surrounding areas. I love sharing the joy of birds, birding and nature with those of all ages, abilities and diversities.

My trips are focused on birding hotspots in Seattle's urban areas that are bus, train and or car accessible, the eastside of Lake Washington and an hour south of Seattle, all in the western Washington region. Depending season and location; song birds, waterfowl, raptors, shore birds, seabirds, woodpeckers, owls and hummingbirds can be seen. I speak English and I'm based in N.E Seattle, Washington State, U.S.A.

Area Birds:
Kingfisher, GB Heron, Ducks, Eagles, Grebes
Interests:
Nature: birdwatching, photography, hiking, butterflies, boating, nature and travel

P Mann Seattle Anytime English
M Wagenbach Seattle Anytime English
R Lawson Seattle Anytime English, minimal Spanish, French
I live in Seattle, but will take birders on trips all over the state.
C Alexander Seattle Anytime English
G Irving Seattle Anytime English
J Flynn Seattle Anytime English, French, Spanish
C Jobe Seattle area & Camano Island Weekend English, Spanish, American Sign Language
My fiance and I would like to connect with other people who enjoy birding in our local area, and also to possibly find people to bird with when we travel (which is mostly within the contiguous U.S. for now until his daughters are grown).
M Flint Seattle Weekends English
J Bryant Seattle Anytime English, workable Spanish, learning Italian
Fall and winter are the worst seasons for weather, but the best for birding here. Come then for gulls, waterfowl and shorebirds, including a decent chance of Siberian rarities. I can show you a range of fresh- and saltwater habitats, deciduous/coniferous/mixed woodland, and small patches of prairie-type habitat, all in the Seattle metro area. Probably not available for longer trips, but happy to advise on sweet spots for some of our specialties, like all of Washington's Picoides woodpeckers.
D Mustin Seattle Anytime English, Spanish
Intermediate birder, retired physician. I like to visit many WA state habitats - coast, sound, mountains, central shrub-steppe.
D Cook Seattle Weekend English
As an intermediate skilled birder I bird a variety of habitats near Seattle.

 

  S Thompson Port Townsend Anytime English
  Port Townsend is about 2 hours by car and ferry from Seattle. I have a fairly flexible schedule, and if our schedules match up, I'm happy to share some great local birding spots.

Even if I'm not available, I'm happy to provide suggestions on good places to go. This area is great for seabirds, shorebirds, ducks, geese, raptors (bald eagles nest here) and forest birds. Fort Worden, Fort Flagler, beaches, lagoons and forests offer a nice variety.
Area:
Fort Worden, Fort Flagler, beaches, lagoons and forests

Area Birds:
Seabirds, shorebirds, ducks, geese, raptors, bald eagles nest here and forest birds

Interests:
Nature: birdwatching, twitching, photography, hiking, butterflies, fishing, sport fishing, boating, skiing, swimming, surfing, snowmobiling, sky diving
Travel: train, bus, car, hitchhiking, biking, long walk, packpack, canoe, portage, dog sled, snow mobile
Visit: tourist site, museum, restaurant, club, vineyard, outdoors, nature spot, beach, lake, ocean, architecture, shop, antique, swap
Attend: concert, horse race, ballet, dance show, theatre, live music, sports event, auction, antique, convention, political rally, protest, competition
Participate: night life, party, dance, club, bar, rock, country, classical, hiphop, rap, swing, wine, beer, liquor, social games, computer games, casino

C Riddell Seattle Anytime English, Spanish
I live near Puget Sound, a major body of inland marine water and most frequently bird the Sound and Western Washington.
D McVay Seattle Anytime English
We are retired biology educators living on Queen Anne Hill in Seattle and on Orcas Island in the San Juan Islands. We enjoy meeting other birdingpals and showing them some of the birding sites in the Seattle area and in the islands. Don and Sandi McVay.
M Cassidy Seattle Anytime English
I have been birding all my life. Have lived in Washington for 30 years. Am familiar with both eastern washington and western washington areas. Am not a professional guide. I have a great scope, bins, and all the relevant birding field guides avaiable for day trips. Pack light, bring your bins, and lets explore.
P Baker Sedro-Woolley Anytime English
Near the Skagit Flats in the Skagit Valley well known for birding in Winter. Due to large numbers of waterfowl and shorebirds many raptors also congregate. Further upriver is known for the Bald Eagle winter population. We own a small organic farm that has nice habitat for warblers.
G Bletsch Sedro-Woolley Weekend English
C Johnson Sequim Anytime English
I live at Diamond Point with the Protection Island National Wildlife Refuge two miles offshore
R Raine Shoreline Weekend English
Keen Photographer.
T Minutolo Spokane Anytime English
P Girres Tacoma Weekend English

 

  F McAdams-Hands Tacoma Anytime English, some French
  Pierce county has a wide range of habitats, including the estuary & tidal flats of Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, inlets & beaches of Puget Sound, and the mountain streams and meadows of Mt. Rainier National Park.

I enjoy birding throughout the state, including eastern Washington, and know a variety of good birding spots.
Area:
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge, Puget Sound, Mt. Rainier National Park

Area Birds:

Interests:
Nature: birdwatching, twitching, photography, hiking, butterflies, fishing, sport fishing, boating, skiing, swimming, surfing, snowmobiling, sky diving
Travel: train, bus, car, hitchhiking, biking, long walk, packpack, canoe, portage, dog sled, snow mobile
Visit: tourist site, museum, restaurant, club, vineyard, outdoors, nature spot, beach, lake, ocean, architecture, shop, antique, swap
Attend: concert, horse race, ballet, dance show, theatre, live music, sports event, auction, antique, convention, political rally, protest, competition
Participate: night life, party, dance, club, bar, rock, country, classical, hiphop, rap, swing, wine, beer, liquor, social games, computer games, casino


 
S Markowitz Tacoma/Seattle/Gig Harbor Weekend English, limited Spanish, Japanese
I am a teacher, so I am available weekends from September through June, with wider availability during the summer months. Tacoma has a varied habitat, with ducks being the highlight in the winter. I am a regular at Nisqually NWR, which is productive for ducks, bald eagles, and two species of chickadee. There are many other species, including owls, bitterns, and Perigrine falcons. Lots of other species in varied habitat, from Mount Rainier (Grey Jay, Grey-crowned Rosie-Finches) to the Olympic Peninsula (Chestnut-backed Chicadee, singing Swainson's Thrush) in season. I'm sure you've done your research. Expect a day of birding fun, with an emphasis on actually watching the species we find. So much is learned (and remembered) about species with which we've spent time. Birding by ear is a part of how I play the game, and the forests here are thick. Let's enjoy a day of birding!



T Lankenau Turnbull, Washington Spring & summer, weekends English, some Spanish
I teach and am away much of the summer - spend 2-3 weeks in the Yellowstone area. Happy to take people around if available. Area:
Turnbull NWR, Mt. Spokane, Yellowstone, N Idaho,

Area Birds:
Woodpeckers, grouse, passerines, NW specialties
Interests:
Nature: birdwatching, twitching, photography, butterflies, walking, hiking, biking, long walk, arboretum, architecture appreciation, concert, theatre, live music, sports event, classical, wine, beer, liquor,
V McClelland Vancouver Anytime English
C Howard Walla Walla Anytime English
B Barchenger Freeland/Whidbey Island Anytime English
Retired to Whidbey Island 11 years ago. Audubon member, amateur bird photographer. I photograph Eagles, many Hawks, Ducks, Sea Birds, Osprey, Owls etc. We can see many of these most times of the year.



W Graves Whidbey Island, Washington anytime; not available Jan. 20-April 1 in 2015 English
My wife and I are in early 70's but not slowed down much. She, Frances Wood, is the more expert birder of the two of us. Whidbey Island is an incredibly beautiful site. We would like to give back to a program we have used elsewhere in the world and we love to go birding. Area:
Deer Lagoon, Crockett Lake, S. Whidbey State Park, Skagit Valley

Area Birds:
migrating shore birds, wintering snow geese, endemic sea and land birds, w endemic to region, w
Interests:
D Granstrand Yakima Weekend English
Yakima County, WA, has many wonderful birding areas. If I can't make it for a day, I can provide information on the best places to visit.


Professional Guides

If you contact a professional Birdingpal guide you must be prepared to pay a fee for guiding services.

Initial Last Name Area Available Language
C Wilcox Port Angeles Anytime English, Spanish
My connection to the natural world was enthusiastically brought to a new level by Carolyn Wilcox. She embodies a great combination of conscience traits for a naturalist guide: great knowledge level and organizational skills; a desire to continue to learn; and she made great efforts to ensure I was comfortable while we searched out my target birds. - Jan Wilson, CA

Local Information
Name Description
Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Washington
Local weather Yahoo
Audubon Washington Club
Washington Ornithological Society Club
Admiralty Audubon Society Club
Black Hills Audubon Society Club
Blue Mountain Audubon Society Club
Central Basin Audubon Society Club
Eastside Audubon Club
Grays Harbor Audubon Society Club
Kitsap Audubon Society Club
Kittitas Audubon Society Club
Lower Columbia Basin Audubon Society Club
North Cascades Audubon Society Club
North Central Washington Audubon Society Club
Olympic Peninsula Audubon Society Club
Palouse Audubon Society Club
Pilchuck Audubon Society Club
Rainier Audubon Society Club
San Juan Islands Audubon Society Club
Seattle Audubon Society Club
Skagit Audubon Society Club
Spokane Audubon Society Club
Tahoma Audubon Society Club
Vancouver Audubon Society Club
Vashon-Maury Island Audubon Society Club
Whidbey Audubon Society Club
Willapa Hills Audubon Society Club
Yakima Valley Audubon Society Club
Othello Sandhill Crane Festival Festival
Leavenworth Spring Bird Fest Festival
Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival Festival
University of Washington's Tweeters Latest Sights
BirdYak Listserv
Dungeness River Audubon Center Sites
BirdWeb Sites
Birds and birding in the Pacific Northwest Sites
Bob Hansen's Birding Klickita County Sites
Michael Hobbs's Marymoor Park, Lake Sammamish Sites
Westport Pelagic
Birding Hotspots around the world Sites