Birding in the Neighborhoods (BIN) North – September 2026

By Nancy Luenn

September 9: A glorious day greeted seven birders at Joseph Whidbey State Park. The sky was clear, the sea was calm and there was almost no wind. We wandered down to the beach trail and looked out over the water. Numerous seabirds swam close to shore. We identified Common Loon, Pacific Loon, Surf Scoters, Horned Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Common Murre, Double-crested Cormorant and Killdeer.

The walking birders set off into the forest on Moyer Trail. In the forest we heard or glimpsed Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown Creeper, Bewick’s Wren, Pine Siskin and Red Crossbill. 

As we left the forest and walked out into the meadow, we were amazed to see an immense swarm of gnats with birds swooping among them. The birds were Cedar Waxwings!

Other meadow birds were American Goldfinch, White-crowned Sparrow and Song Sparrow. 

The weather was excellent for the less mobile seated birders. We remained near the picnic tables with excellent views of fields and hedgerows, Swan Lake, the sea and the forest. We couldn’t see any activity in the fields and lake with binoculars or scope, and there was little to be seen or heard in the nearby shrubbery and under the forest canopy. Merlin did pick up several of the forest and meadow birds listed above. The most fun was a close-up performance by a White-crowned Sparrow who seemed to appreciate our admiration. Our best view was of the sea with binoculars and scope where we had clear views of the Horned Grebe, Surf Scoters and Common Loon.

When the walkers rejoined the seated birders, we settled down for a picnic and good conversation.

Total species: 25

Birding in Neighborhoods North (BIN North) outings are on the second Wednesday of the month. We meet at 9 am in the parking area of the trip’s location. To be added to — or removed from — the monthly outing reminders, email Nancy Luenn.