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Seattle is a haven for nature lovers, offering countless opportunities to connect with the outdoors. From old-growth forests to vibrant bird populations, the city’s green spaces bring us closer to the natural world. As I dip my toes or one could say fox walk into bird watching I am thankful for the connection to my neighbors and friends while also enjoying this beautiful place we call home. Here are a few spots to check out and ways to engage with Seattle’s thriving birdwatching community.
Old-Growth Forest in West Seattle
Immerse yourself in an old-growth forest near West Seattle’s Schmitz Preserve Park. Walking among towering trees that have stood for centuries feels like stepping back in time. This serene spot is perfect for quiet reflection, and it’s a reminder of how valuable these ancient ecosystems are to our urban environment.
Other notable old-growth areas include Seward Park, which offers trails winding through 300 acres of forest on a peninsula surrounded by Lake Washington. Another must see!
Seasonal Birdwatching on Seattle’s Waters
Seattle’s waterways host an ever-changing array of bird species throughout the year. In the spring and summer, you might see migratory shorebirds, while winter brings ducks, grebes, and other waterfowl. My favorite winter bird is the harlequin duck. They are hard to photograph and keep a healthy distance. I appreciate that they play hard to get. Places like Discovery Park and Lincoln Park offer breathtaking views and excellent birdwatching opportunities. While I am lucky to watch from Weather Watch park daily, I love the changes in season for many reasons but the welcoming of the birds is one of my favorites to watch.
One of my favorite birds to observe is the Killdeer. These small, plucky shorebirds often nest on gravelly open ground near beaches or trails. Watching their nesting habits is both fascinating and heartbreaking—they build their nests in vulnerable spots, often at the mercy of foot traffic or predators. Each year, I find myself rooting for their survival and reflecting on the challenges they face. We have a neighborhood partnership to try our best and protect them from the crows. Nature has won two years in a row. I photographed 5 Killdeer on the patio a few days ago which gave me hope and excitement. It was fun to watch them look at their nesting grounds. And see a new addition to the crew. There are so many cool things about the killdeer…
Community Groups Supporting Birds and Research
Seattle is home to many organizations that support bird conservation and research, here a few:
- Seattle Audubon Society: Offers birding classes, guided walks, and conservation advocacy.
- Puget Sound Bird Observatory: Focuses on bird monitoring and habitat preservation.
- BirdNote: A local nonprofit sharing stories about birds and their connections to our world.
Neighborhood Highlights: Nature in Unexpected Places
Nature thrives in every Seattle neighborhood if you know where to look. Here are a few:
Ballard: Explore the wetlands at Golden Gardens Park, where you’ll see herons and shorebirds.
Capitol Hill: Volunteer Park is a green oasis with walking paths and quiet corners perfect for birdwatching.
West Seattle: In addition to Schmitz Preserve and Lincoln Park, Mee Kwa Mooks offers a unique mix of urban and natural beauty with its stunning views of the Puget Sound.
A Personal Connection to Birds and Nature
For me, connecting with nature in Seattle is as much about the quiet moments as it is about the grand vistas. Watching the seasonal rhythms of birds on the water or Killdeer families struggling to raise their chicks reminds me how interconnected we are with the natural world. I was recently fortunate to meet and help a client buy a home in my neighborhood and she has become a friend. She is teaching me to fox walk, listen and connect, and start my day (Tuesday) with outdoor movement and connection.
How You Can Connect
- Start your day with a morning walk in a neighborhood park. If you are curious we walk at 7:30am on Tuesday morning starting at Weather Watch Park. Get in touch with me to join in
- Join a birding group or take part in local conservation efforts
- Take time to appreciate the small details—like the way Killdeer protect their nests by pretending to have a broken wing to distract predators. Okay that’s not a small detail that’s pretty incredible 🙂
Nature is all around us in Seattle, and there’s always something new to discover.
What’s your favorite place to connect with nature in Seattle? Want to join on a bird watching adventure? Let’s share the beauty of our city’s natural world! How cool that we can have nature and city in such proximity.
