10 Birding Hot Spots on Hood Canal

#1. Kennedy Creek Preserve

Kamilche, WA | IBA (Important Birding Area) Visit 340 acres of wildlife-rich salt flats on Oyster Bay at its confluence with Kennedy and Schneider Creeks. This rich estuarine environment supports a diverse population of residential and migratory shorebirds. This inlet also supports one of the largest flocks of wintering black-bellied plovers in Puget Sound.

Kennedy Creek which feeds into the preserve is an excellent salmon-rearing waterway producing up to 80,000 spawning salmon. After spawning, the salmon die and their carcasses wash downstream to the estuary providing food for eagles, and other animals. Discover Pass

#2. Oakland Bay County Park

Shelton, WA A four mile long narrow and shallow estuary, Oakland Bay is one of the most productive shellfish growing areas in the country. While the WDFD property and adjacent Bayshore Preserve on the northern shore of the bay is a good place to scope for birds, the county park directly across the

bay offers a wilder setting and good trail system. From the trailhead hike through old-growth trees and an old orchard to the historic 1892-built Malaney-O’Neill House on a small bluff above Oakland Bay. After admiring this structure, walk the short path behind it to overlook the mudflats and oyster beds on Oakland Bay. Look for ospreys, bald eagles and scads of ducks. During the winter months look for dunlins. No Pass

#3. Mary E. Theler Wetlands

Belfair, WA Enjoy 139 acres of wildlife rich estuary in the Union River Delta at the farthest reaches of fjord-like Hood Canal. The preserve contains five distinct trails that utilize levees and bridges across channels and creeks. The main path leads to a Wetlands Project (education) Center and a native plant demonstration garden. From here the other trails radiate across the preserve. No Pass

#4. Twanoh State Park

Union, WA | IBA With 182 acres of mature forest and shoreline, the park retains many of its Depression-era CCC structures. It contains 2.5 miles of trails that traverse cedar groves and

a lush emerald ravine cradling a salmon-spawning creek. The canal’s much warmer here than to the west and north attracting large populations of waterfowl. Discover Pass

Dwatto Bay Apart from fantastic views of the Olympics above the Canal, honorable mention goes to Dwatto Bay on the Tahuya Peninsula for a peaceful remote location to catch a variety of marine birds. Photo: George Stenberg

#5. Dosewallips State

Park Brinnon, WA Over 1000 acres of wildlife habitat along the Dosewallips River at its delta on the fjord. The birding is excellent due to the varied habitats. Explore rich tidal wetlands, riparian forest, and mature forest. Watch for eagles—especially during salmon spawning. Follow the short and flat North Tidal Trail across salt marshes to an observation deck. Discover Pass

#6 Big Quilcene Estuary

Quilcene, WA WDFW riparian mixed forest, river estuary on Hood Canal. In spring watch for songbirds: Yellow-rumped and Wilson's Warblers,Varied Thrushes, Ruby-crowned Kinglets. Fall salmon runs draw scavengers: Bald Eagles, Common Ravens, Rough-legged Hawks, Glaucous-winged Gulls. Great Egrets poke in marshes, Dunlins at water’s edge. Check river for American Dippers. Winter brings Trumpeter Swans, American and Eurasian Wigeons, Red-necked Grebes. No Pass

#7. Jarrell Cove State Park

Harstine Island, WA Forests and bluffs on a quiet cove, the park’s uplands provide excellent habitat for residential and migratory songbirds. Look for creepers, finches, flycatchers, nuthatches, towhees, and vireos in the forest. Hike down to the docks for some great cove views—and the chance to spot goldeneyes, grebes, kingfishers, mergansers, loons, scaups, and various gulls. Discover Pass

#8. Potlatch State Park

Skokomish, WA Potlatch consists of 84 acres on the Canal at its bend just north of the Skokomish River Delta. The delta consists of estuary, riparian forests and extensive wetlands. It hosts populations of several avian species including a great blue heron rookery. In the spring watch for dowitchers, western sandpipers, and Wilson’s snipes. Discover Pass

#9. Fort Worden Historical State Park

Port Townsend, WA An active US Army base for more than 50 years, today Fort Worden is a popular state park. Many of the fort’s buildings have been restored and serve a variety of functions. The 434- acre park also contains high bluffs, a lagoon, mature forest, and extensive beaches. On the Strait of Juan de Fuca, the park attracts a wide array of marine animals and birds. Discover Pass

#10. Fort Flagler Historical State Park

Port Hadlock, WA | IBA (Important Birding Area) At 780 acres, Fort Flagler is the largest of a series of old military installations on Puget Sound since converted to state parks. In addition to its historic structures and buildings, the park contains beaches and a well-developed trail system. Owing to its location on Marrowstone Island and surrounded by water on three sides, the park is a great for watching marine birds. Bays, spit, bluffs, mature forest, and meadows provide excellent habitat for birds. Flagler is also a great place to spot pigeon guillemots. Discover Pass

To learn more about birding locations on Hood Canal, check out the following list or visit olympicbirdtrail.org for a list of 25 top locations around the peninsula.