Field trip: Introduction to the Natural World Course
Field Trip 2 - Seattle Naturalists Intro Natural World Course - Center for Urban Horticulture
Let's go birding! We will focus on honing your skills in using binoculars and the Merlin app to maximize viewing, identification and enjoyment of our beautiful area birds. The Yesler swamp and Union Bay Natural Area attract various woodland, water birds and raptors. Please read Leader's Notes and Meeting Location and Time for detailed trip information.
Contacts
- Sun, May 10, 2026
- Seattle Naturalists Committee
- Naturalist
- All Who Qualify, Adults
- Easy
- Easy
- Mileage: 3.0 mi
- Pace: slow with many stops
- FULL, 2 on waitlist (5 capacity)
- FULL (3 capacity)
- Mon, Feb 2, 2026 at 8:00 AM
- Fri, May 8, 2026 at 5:00 PM
- Cancellation & Refund Policy
- iCal Google
Pre trip Assignments There are a few tasks to complete prior to this field trip.
- Please contact me if you need binoculars. I’ll do my best to find a borrowed pair.
- Set your binoculars to your face and vision. These are simple adjustments that really help improve your viewing. There are a few YouTube videos that can help you set your binoculars. I like this one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_Su5b1cNpU&t=203s
- Download the FREE Merlin App to your phone or tablet. Be sure to add the US: West Coast bird pack while you have a good connection to WiFi. These are large files that take a while to download.
Trip Info
After introductions we will discuss using the bird apps, Merlin & eBird in the field. After our discussion expect to spend approximately 2-3 hours wandering the trails, looking for birds and listening to their calls and song. We will practice looking at key bird characteristics like shape, size, color patterns, sound and behaviors and use the Merlin app and or bird guidebook to identify the species.
Meet at 8:00am at the Soest Garden Fountain, 3501 NE 41st St, Seattle WA 98105. The fountain is located just east of the Center's building in the garden area.
There are no restrooms available at this location and no easy areas to pull off for a bio break. Please use the restroom at a convient location like the QFC at the University Village.
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.