Whatcom County contains a wide range of habitat types that host a remarkable variety of bird species. From tidewater and the western lowlands to the alpine habitats of the North Cascades, Whatcom County offers birding for all seasons. Although birding is good throughout the year, late fall through spring is the prime time for birding. The numbers of birds that winter in the marine habitats just south of the Canadian border can be mind-boggling, even for seasoned birders.

Wintering Ducks on Birch Bay In the large estuarine environments of Drayton Harbor, Semiahmoo Bay, and Birch Bay can be found some of the largest concentrations of birds on the Pacific Coast. This largely pristine natural area provides food and shelter for a variety of species throughout the winter months and during migration. The area of Drayton Harbor and Semiahmoo Bay has been designated as one of 53 Important Bird Areas in the state. This area also anchors the first loop of the Great Washington State Birding Trail, Audubon Washington’s first entry into the nationwide effort to promote birdwatching and conservation of areas that are essential to healthy bird populations. Marine Park in Blaine is a shining example of what can be done locally to ensure that birds have ample sites for resting and feeding during the long winter months, prior to returning to their breeding grounds in spring.

To get there: Drive north on Interstate 5, to the last exit before the international border, at Blaine. Go under the freeway and west across the railroad tracks to begin your tour at the bird- and birder-friendly Marine Park. There is always ample parking on both sides of Marine Drive and, along the trail in Marine Park, there are four covered shelters that overlook the extensive tidal flats of Semiahmoo Bay.

Large numbers of shorebirds gather here and rarities such as Hudsonian and Bar-tailed godwits have been observed along with Marbled Godwits, Whimbrels, and Long-billed Curlews. Black-bellied Plovers, Dunlin, and Black Turnstones are regulars along with a variety of other peeps. Large flocks of Caspian and Common terns have been observed along with Bonaparte's, Glaucous-winged, Ring-billed, and Mew gulls. Keep an eye out for the Peregrine Falcons that frequent the area.  From Marine Park, explore the Blaine waterfront on foot.

There are restrooms and restaurants available when you need them. The visitor information center is well-equipped with birding maps and checklists for the birds in the area from Blaine and Semiahmoo to Birch Bay. The Blaine-Birch Bay Birding Committee is putting together a new birding brochure, as well.  At the end of Marine Drive, a public pier affords scoping opportunities of the northern reaches of Drayton Harbor and the Semiahmoo Spit. The deep-water channel between the spit and White Rock, BC, attracts incredible numbers of loons and other diving birds in winter and early spring. When the schools of herring move in and out of Drayton Harbor through the narrow channel, the activity can be frenetic.

In late February and early March, 20,000 to 30,000 birds can be seen on the water on both sides of the spit. Among the species that have been observed are more than 1,500 loons of three species, three scoter species, gulls, cormorants, and as many as 300 Red-breasted Mergansers. Northern Pintails and other ducks gather by the thousands in the protected inner waters of Drayton Harbor for two weeks of incredible feeding activity. The first week of March, 2,000 Brant can be seen feeding on the eelgrass beds as the tide goes out.  The Wings Over Water/Northwest Birding Festival is held annually to celebrate Brant, a little-known "sea goose," and to educate the public about the need for protection of the essential habitat necessary for the health of the Brant and many other species.

After birding at Marine Park and the Blaine Harbor, drive around the perimeter of Drayton Harbor to the Semiahmoo Spit, and check the estuaries of Dakota and California Creeks along the way. There are many pullouts along the drive that provide opportunities for shorebirds, numerous Great Blue Herons, and Bald Eagles. From the county park to the resort, large numbers of birds are visible on both sides of the spit.

After Semiahmoo, follow the road south to the expanse of Birch Bay. On the southern boundary, at Birch Bay State Park, usually in mid-April, you can observe the annual spectacle of thousands of scoters, Harlequin Ducks, cormorants, and gulls feeding on the herring spawn. Large numbers of Brant also join in this feeding frenzy.  Make plans now to drive up to northern Whatcom County during the fall and winter to enjoy some of Washington state’s finest birding.