NOTE: For the month of May we hold our annual Birdathon fundraiser. We ask that participants of this Birding Challenge Day donate $100.

Whidbey Island Birding Challenge

Find 100 species of birds and donate $100.

Join Andy McCormick and other members of the Karismatic Kestrels Big Day Team and head to Whidbey Island for a full day of birding with a goal of finding 100 bird species on the day!

The May Birding Challenge is where the community creates a team to count as many birds in one day during the month of May, as part of our annual Birdathon fundraiser.

This full-day trip will make at least 10 stops with short walks on level or paved ground. We will work our way north on Whidbey Island and drive through Skagit and Snohomish Counties on the way home making some extra stops as the day allows. Return to Kirkland by dusk or earlier, around 8pm.

TRIP LEADER

Andy McCormick, cell phone number is 425-518-0892.

LOCATION

Meet at Kingsgate Park & Ride by the bus stop area at 6:00 am. We will drive to board the 7:00 a.m. ferry in Mukilteo and stop at iconic birding locations: Deer Lagoon, Ewing Marsh, Earth Sanctuary, Crockett Lake, Fort Casey State Park, Penn Cove, and Rosaria Head and Beach.

REGISTRATION / FEE

Minimum donation is $100. Carpool cost to drivers is $15 each passenger. Drivers should bring a current Discover Pass. I would appreciate if someone could bring one or two more radios. 

POTENTIAL BIRDS

We will find seabirds like Pigeon Guillemot, Rhinoceros Auklet, Common Loon, Red-necked Grebe, Marbled Murrelets; and sea ducks including Surf Scoter and Harlequin Ducks; shorebirds such as Black Oystercatcher, Greater Yellowlegs, and Western Sandpiper. Spring migrants include Black-headed Grosbeak, Swainson’s Thrush, and warblers: Orange-crowned, Yellow, Wilson’s. and Townsend’s. Raptors will be around.

DETAILS

Bring binoculars, lunch, snacks, and liquids. Scopes will be helpful. Dress in layers as Puget Sound weather can change quickly.