Autumn Shorebirds at Fort Flagler: Field Trip Report

Oct 3

It was a crisp, gorgeous fall morning for our latest Let's Go Birding Together outing at Fort Flagler State Park. Co-led by Justin Carrington and Chris Russell, our trip was treated to striking views of the Olympic Mountains standing tall against the clear autumn sky.

While we always strive to foster an inclusive community where anyone can enjoy birding, there is something special about a smaller group. Out on the trail with just our leaders and visiting guests Janet and Mike from California, the intimate setting allowed for great conversation, shared enthusiasm, and a wonderful morning spent connecting over birds.

Shorelines Alive: Highlights from the Spit

Gulls and shorebirds were undoubtedly the stars of the morning, turning up in impressive numbers along the short spit. Together, our group identified 24 species in just two hours of birding.

Shoreline Sightings: We spotted Least Sandpipers, Sanderlings, Black-bellied Plovers, American Pipits, and Black Turnstones—which marked an exciting lifer for trip leader Chris!
Gull Standouts: Among the abundant Glaucous-winged Gulls resting along the shoreline, several distinctive Heermann's Gulls were clearly visible.

Out on the Water

While seabirds weren't present in overwhelming density, a steady variety of marine species made memorable appearances across the water:

A flock of Harlequin Ducks numbering in the 20s actively diving near the shore.
Loons dotting the calm water surface in the distance.
Regular sightings of Grebes and Cormorants out in the bay.

Thank you to Janet and Mike for joining us from California, and to Justin and Chris for guiding a fantastic outing. Whether you are a seasoned birder or picking up binoculars for the first time, our Let's Go Birding Together field trips welcome everyone—we hope to see you on the trail next time!

An Unexpected Parting Gift

As the trip wrapped up and the group began to disperse, nature saved one final surprise—for Justin's eyes only! A solo stroll down to the docks rewarded him with an incredible, close-up view of two otters lounging and playing near the water—a perfect finale to a wonderful morning in the field.