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Trip Report    

Naturalist Trip - Juanita Bay Park

11 of us enjoyed 41 bird species including four types of woodpeckers, green-winged teals, pied-billed grebes feasting on fish, a nutria, a beaver, and a rabbit. Windless conditions and overcast skies made for great photos.

Courtenay Schurman Courtenay Schurman
March 31, 2026
  • Road suitable for all vehicles

  • 11 of us from the Naturalists beat the parking lot opening to bird from 7:15-10:15 this morning. The gate was still closed so we parked on the street. The portapotty has been removed, but restrooms weren't quite open before we started walking. They were by the time we needed a mid-trip break. Pristine conditions, no trash, the only (ongoing) issue was loud commuter traffic along Juanita Bay Way. Pleasant morning with joggers, other birders, and dog walkers enjoying the calm and dry. Northern flicker excavating.

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We started on the long boardwalk, then finished with the shorter ones. Estimated 2-3 miles at 1 mph so we could thoroughly enjoy the birds.

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On the morning, we heard or saw 41 bird species including 4 woodpeckers (northern flicker, red-breasted sapsucker, downy and hairy woodpecker), good looks at green-winged teals, and several great blue herons, an eagle, a belted kingfisher, lots of coots and wood ducks, and 4 killdeer. One in our party heard a Virginia rail; I was not quite so lucky. We also had a white-throated sparrow on Merlin but I did not spot it.

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We enjoyed a pristine lake early; the wind picked up as the morning progressed, causing a few of our party to get cold and depart early. All in all a lovely visit.