Above photograph by James Clevenger

🐦 Birding in Birch Bay

Nestled along the Pacific Flyway, Birch Bay, Semiahmoo, and Blaine offer exceptional birdwatching opportunities year-round. The region’s diverse habitats—ranging from saltwater bays and freshwater marshes to forested uplands—support a wide array of bird species, making it a haven for both novice and experienced birders.

A few guidelines to keep in mind while birding to create a safe, fun and friendly birding experience for everyone!

  • 🐕 Keep dogs on a leash. Always clean up after your pet, and do not allow them to chase or disturb birds.
  • 🚫 Respect private property and stay on established trails. Many beaches in Birch Bay are privately owned—please watch for and honor posted signs.
  • 🐣 Do not disturb or pick up birds, especially fledglings. What may seem like a bird in trouble is often part of its natural development.
  • 🏕️ Camp and park only in designated areas.
  • 🍞 Resist the urge to feed birds. They thrive best on their natural diets.
  • 💡 Use artificial light sparingly when photographing or filming birds, especially at close range.
  • 🧍‍♀️🧍 Keep group sizes small to reduce environmental impact and avoid disrupting others’ experiences.

  • 🌷Spring & 🍂 Fall Migration: Witness the impressive movement of migratory birds, including sandpipers, plovers, and various songbirds.​

  • ❄️ Winter: Look for waterfowl such as Brant, Bufflehead, and Common Goldeneye, as well as raptors like Bald Eagles and Northern Harriers.​

  • 🌻 Summer: Enjoy sightings of nesting shorebirds and the vibrant activity of songbirds in the upland areas.​

  • 📖 Gear Up: Bring binoculars, a field guide, and a spotting scope for the best viewing experience.​

  • 🥾 Dress Appropriately: Wear sturdy footwear and dress in layers to adapt to changing weather conditions.​

  • 🪺 Respect Wildlife: Maintain a safe distance from birds and their habitats. Avoid disturbing nesting areas.​

  • 📊 Stay Informed: Check local birding reports and tide charts to plan your visit.​

  • American Crow
  • American Goldfinch
  • American Robin
  • American Wigeon
  • Anna’s Hummingbird
  • Bald Eagle
  • Barn Swallow
  • Barred Owl
  • Barrow’s Goldeneye
  • Belted Kingfisher
  • Black Oystercatcher
  • Black Turnstone
  • Black-Capped Chickadee
  • Brant
  • Bufflehead
  • Canada Goose
  • Cedar Waxwing
  • Chestnut-backed Chickadee
  • Common Goldeneye
  • Common Loon
  • Dark-Eyed Junco
  • Double-crested Cormorant
  • Dunlin
  • Glaucous-winged Gull
  • Golden-crowned Kinglet
  • Great Blue Heron
  • Greater Scaup
  • Green-winged Teal
  • Harlequin Duck
  • Horned Grebe
  • House Finch
  • Killdeer
  • Lesser Scaup
  • Long-tailed Duck
  • Mallard
  • Merlin
  • Northern Flicker
  • Northern Harrier
  • Northern Pintail
  • Northern Saw-whet
  • Pacific Loon
  • Pacific Wren
  • Pelagic Cormorant
  • Pied-billed Grebe
  • Pigeon Guillemot
  • Pine Siskin
  • Purple Finch
  • Red-breasted Merganser
  • Red-throated Loon
  • Sharp-shinned Hawk
  • Song Sparrow
  • Spotted Towhee
  • Steller’s Jay
  • Surf Scoter
  • Varied Thrush
  • Western Grebe
  • White-Crowned Sparrow
  • White-winged Scoter
  • Wilson’s Warbler
  • Wood Duck

📍 Stop by the Birch Bay Visitor Information Center (4819 Alderson Rd. #103) to pick up a FREE Birding Guide and local maps!

Above photograph by James Clevenger