Pilchuck Audubon Society members Jeanette Widener, left, Philip Dickinson, Christine Dubois, and Jordan Widener head out for some birding on a sunny day.
Birdwatching is one of those hobbies that can transform ordinary walks into adventures with excitement always possible at the next bend in the trail. “There’s always something to learn; it doesn’t matter how long you’ve been doing it,” says Christine Dubois on a recent outing at the Brightwater Treatment Plant’s grounds.
Yellow-rumped warbler
Dubois, a lifelong birder, was out at Brightwater with fellow members of the Pilchuck Audubon Society. Binoculars in hand, they meandered along the winding trails. The 70-acre site surrounding the Brightwater Treatment Plant encompasses fields, forests, wetlands, and three miles of trails.
Brightwater designers transformed the site of an auto-wrecking yard and soup factory. Large trees were preserved and cared for during construction to provide shelter, food, and nesting sites. Landscape restoration created a Native Growth Protection Area and brought a piped creek to the surface.
Fields, forests, and wetlands help make Brightwater a unique spot for wildlife.
Today, rich habitat and waters provide a sanctuary for over 130 bird species, highlighting an extraordinary ecological revival. Birds Connect Seattle lists the Brightwater trails as one of the top places for birdwatching with kids.
Brightwater is a great place to find the stories of birds. Sapsucker Creek is named after the red-breasted sapsucker. Sapsuckers are woodpeckers that drill holes through bark to tap tree sap. Migrating hummingbirds seek these holes as an early food source before nectar flowers appear. As you walk through forested areas, watch for holes in the bark of trees to find where sapsuckers are feeding both themselves and other birds.
A red-breasted sapsucker clings to the side of a tree as it drills a hole.
With minimal effort, great rewards are likely! Philip Dickinson, also on the Pilchuck Audubon outing, noted 19 species in under two hours. He finds early mornings optimal for birding and enjoys the unique sightings during spring and fall migrations. “In the spring, you get songbirds migrating in,” said Dickinson. “I love seeing the Black-headed Grosbeak and Western Tanager—really pretty, striking birds.”
Walk 10 feet, stop, look, listen, and repeat – the slow rhythm feels just right, especially on a sunny morning with friends.
Getting Started with Birdwatching
For novices, here are a few tips:
- Basics: Begin with a reliable field guide, like one from the Pilchuck Audubon Society, and get good binoculars for close, undisturbed bird observations.
- Learn by Listening: Birds are often heard before seen. Use tools like the Merlin Bird ID app to learn their calls and songs, enhancing your identification skills.
- Be Patient and Present: Birding requires patience. Quietly waiting and watching can increase your chances of spotting birds and deepen your connection with nature.
A field guide and a set of binoculars are all you need to get started.
Going Solo or With a Partner
Birdwatching on your own is a serene way to bond with nature, but having a birdwatching buddy can up the fun. You get to share those “Did you see that?!” moments and learn from each other. Consider signing up for classes or guided bird walks.
Jordan Widener crouches while she tries to find a good view through the bushes
More Than Just Birding
Birdwatching at Brightwater is more than ticking species off your list. Each visit is a new adventure with nature’s rhythms, from changing seasons to migrating birds, offering endless discoveries. Brightwater is open to everyone from dawn until dusk. It provides a unique setting for everyone – whether you’re on a solo mission to spot the elusive species, enjoying a peaceful walk, or making it a fun family outing. So, grab your binoculars and let Brightwater surprise you with its birdwatching wonders.
Resources
A guide for your adventures around Brightwater
Accessibility features
The Audubon Society’s Birdability Project identifies accessible trails and features for bird watchers living with disabilities.
Link: https://www.birdability.org/
Pilchuck Audubon Society
Grass-roots environmental organization representing Snohomish County and Camano Island, Washington offering education and field trips.
Birds Connect Seattle
Non-profit focusing on urban conservation in the Seattle area, offering education, field trips, and the Bird-Safe-Seattle initiative to protect birds and their habitats.
Discover more from King County Wastewater Treatment Division
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