Trip Report
Naturalist Trip - Montlake Fill (Union Bay Natural Area)
Despite muddy, rainy conditions, nine of us enjoyed 42 bird species including spring migration stars Greater Yellowlegs, a beautiful serenade by some marsh wrens, and a great blue heron. Love when people leave happy!
Courtenay Schurman
- Thu, Mar 19, 2026
- Naturalist Trip - Montlake Fill (Union Bay Natural Area)
- Center for Urban Horticulture
- Naturalist
- Successful
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- Road suitable for all vehicles
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It seems the University has changed decisions again on parking - now it's looking like come summer 2026, they'll allow free TWO HOUR parking, but beyond that, they'll collect money by license. Thanks to all those who protested; lest you think one person can't make a difference, OUR COLLECTIVE VOICE MATTERS.
Right now the trails are quite muddy following recent snow melt; signs are posted in front of the Yesler Swamp boardwalk emphasizing that pedestrians keep to the grating as the wood is quite slick. We parked due north of Merrill rather than street parking, but parking near Yesler Swamp has more space for non-employee/university visitors.
9 of us from the Mountaineers naturalists met this morning in mild rain to see how many birds we could spot. We had 42 species included 5 greater yellowlegs (it's spring migration time! YESSSS!) good looks at a few very vocal marsh wrens, a pair of bald eagles, lingering waterfowl including some green winged teals, northern shovelers, wigeons, coots, gadwalls, a ring-necked duck, a great blue heron, and more. But not a single wood duck, and no beavers (on our wishlist).
We met at the Kiosk around 7:30 intending to bird until 11 but rains pushed us along at a nice clip and we finished just after 10.
We traveled clockwise to the waterfront, along the canal, and then had a 15-minute warm-up, restrooms, and refreshments break once the Horticulture Center opened at 9. Then on to Yesler Swamp which was surprisingly quiet with no wood ducks or swans. Nesting? or have they already left?
We saw evidence of recent blackberry removal throughout our journey; see photo above, piles lining the trail. Lake level is quite high, and mud is common near any interior ponds. Despite recent urban snowfall and abundant muddy areas, and a steady mist, our group left happy for having had our adventure and seen some great birds. The Fill never disappoints.