Fauna 10 Bird Watching Locations

1. Theler Wildlife Wetland

Belfair | 22871 NE Hwy 3 | thelercenter.org

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 Center and a native plant demonstration garden. NO PASS

2. Potlatch State Park

Potlatch | Hwy 101 near Hoodsport

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

3. Twanoh State Park

Hood Canal | Hwy 106, Union / Belfair, 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

4. Jarrell Cove State Park

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

5. George Adams Hatchery

Skokomish | 40 W Skokomish Valley Rd

WDFW 30-acre riparian corridor of conifers, deciduous foliage. Wood Ducks highlight spring birding. Autumn berries beckon flocks of Cedar Waxwings. Wintering ducks: Buffleheads, Common and Hooded Mergansers. NO PASS

6. PANHANDLE LAKE 4H CAMP

Shelton | 370 W Panhandle Lake Rd

Private 450-acre woodland sanctuary of old conifers amid clear-cut. Spring attractions include Wood Ducks, Wilson’s Warblers, Black-headed Grosbeaks, Tree and Violet-green Swallows, American Goldfinches. Check snags for Northern Flickers; Downy, Hairy, and Pileated Woodpeckers, and Pine Siskins, Dark-eyed Juncos, Black-capped and Chestnut-backed Chickadees, Redbreasted Sapsuckers. NO PASS

7. Oakland Bay County Park

Shelton | 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 1892Malaney-O’Neill House on a bluff above Oakland Bay. Walk the path behind it to overlook the mudflats and oyster beds. NO PASS

8. SKOKOMISH DELTA

Skokomish River Delta

Shore hosts flocks of Dunlins; on saltwater, find Marbled Murrelets, Canvasbacks, Northern Pintails; Common, Red-breasted, and Hooded Mergansers; Buffleheads, Goldeneyes, Black, Surf, and Whitewinged Scoters; in marsh are Gadwalls, Greenwinged Teals, Northern Shovelers. Bald Eagles, Ospreys, Peregrine Falcons, Northern Harriers, Red-tailed Hawks, Short-eared Owls. Early spring brings Longbilled Dowitchers, Wilson’s Snipes, Western Sandpipers. NO PASS

9. DOSEWALLIPS STATE PARK

Brinnon, WA | 306996 Hwy 101

Over 1000 acres of wildlife habitat along the Dosewallips River at its delta on the fjord. Explore rich tidal wetlands, riparian forest, and mature forest. Follow the short and flat North Tidal Trail across salt marshes to an observation deck.

DISCOVER PASS