Trip Report
Juanita Bay Park private naturalist trip
My husband and I grabbed a few quick hours of birding - 41 species - that included 19 trumpeter swans, 50 wood ducks, 54 double-crested cormorants, and 3 woodpecker species. Beautiful clearing in flooding time, a welcome reprieve.
Courtenay Schurman
- Sat, Dec 13, 2025
- Juanita Bay Park
- Naturalist
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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When we arrived around 8:30 there were 9 cars in the south area parking lot; when we left two hours later, the lot was full and people were waiting for open spots. Restrooms and porta-potties are available; we didn't use either. No permit needed, but do arrive early if you want to park in the parking lot on a weekend.
The trail is in excellent condition, especially given that so many areas are flooding in the PNW area right now. No downed limbs, mud, or obstacles. We timed it perfectly to get beautiful light and a break in the fog before it clouded over again.
My husband and I enjoyed a private two-hour birding outing resulting in 41 bird species including these highlights: 19 trumpeter swans, 2 bald eagles, green-winged teals, 3 woodpecker species, 54 double-crested cormorants, and at least 50 wood ducks. We also saw a beaver and timed it perfectly before 13 of the 19 trumpeter swans took off for another destination.
Lots of people were out jogging, walking their dogs, and carrying big lenses or binoculars to capture shots of / study birds. A lovely morning before we returned to deal with my dog's injury and enjoy time with our daughter who is home from college.
