
Field trip: Introduction to the Natural World Course
Field Trip 2 - Seattle Naturalists Intro Natural World Course - Center for Urban Horticulture
We will be looking and listening for both migratory and resident birds in breeding plumage as they seek potential mates and set up territories for nesting. Bring binoculars; field guides are optional. Bring your smartphone or tablet with the Merlin App and use it to practice identifying species.
- Sun, May 18, 2025
- Seattle Naturalists Committee
- Naturalist
- Adults
- Easy
- Casual
- Mileage: 4.0 mi
- Pace: slow with multiple stops
- 1 (8 capacity)
- FULL (2 capacity)
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
This is a naturalist trip and our pace will be slow (.75-1mph) Expect to spend 4 hours wandering the trails, looking for birds and listening to their calls. We will practice looking at key characteristics like shape, size, color patterns, and behaviors. The merlin app may be helpful in identifying species and a bird book either hard copy or as an app will give more information. Bring Binoculars if you have them
We will meet at 8am (early bird gets the worm!) at lot E-16 on the grounds of the UW Center for Urban Horticulture (map showing lot will be sent the week before the trip). There is no bathroom at this location. Plan accordingly
We will start at the Yesler Swamp trail and try to see the woodpeckers and small birds along the swamp. This will take us about an hour to hour and half.
We will then spend around 2-3 hours exploring the Union Bay Natural area. This area consists of several ponds and Union Bay. A large variety of birds can be seen in this area including water fowl, rails, and herons
Required Equipment
Bring binoculars. Bring your smartphone or tablet with the Merlin App and have the Pacific Bird Pack loaded.
If you don't have binoculars, email the trip leader to see if they might be able to bring an extra pair.