Birding in the Neighborhoods North: Summer 2026 Outings
By Nancy Luenn
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
June 10 – Pratt Loop Trail: Walking and seated birders appreciated the calm sunny day. Sitting quietly in a single spot allowed birders to observe birds well and for a long time. The seated birders were delighted when a Common Raven perched on the back of the trail sign, poked its head over the top and comically evaluated the birders. Eventually there were four ravens capering on the lawn. Being seated also allowed the birders to be among the Barn Swallows and their young as they swooped for insects over the freshly mown lawn.
The walking birders followed the trail along the edge of the meadow, identifying White-crowned, Savannah and Song Sparrows. The forest was full of bird song; the birds mostly heard but not seen. With the assistance of the Merlin app, we identified Northern Flicker, Olive-sided Flycatcher, Western Wood-Pewee, Willow Flycatcher, Black-capped Chickadee, Northern House Wren, Bewick’s Wren, Varied Thrush, Swainson’s Thrush, Cedar Waxwing, Purple Finch, Spotted Towhee, Orange-crowned Warbler and Black-headed Grosbeak.
Leaving the forest, we stopped to scan the huge dead tree with its many nest holes. The previous spring, we had seen red-breasted nuthatches flying in and out of the nest holes. This year we saw only European Starlings. On our way back along the meadow, an American Goldfinch flew up from the long grass. Total species: 31
July 8– Deer Lagoon: BIN-North and BIN-South met at Deer Lagoon for our second combined field trip. The day was sunny and calm; perfect for birding.
The highlight of the day was seeing hundreds of American White Pelicans. Most were assembled on the sand bar across the lagoon, but small groups floated near the dike. We admired them as they caught and swallowed fish in their huge yellow pouches.
Shorebirds included Greater Yellowlegs, Western Sandpipers, Killdeer and a Dowitcher.
Among the usual gulls were Bonaparte’s Gulls and Short-billed Gulls. Caspian Terns flew over the lagoon with their rasping cries.
Another highlight was spotting two Marsh Wren nests in the reeds next to the dike. Several of us had a closeup view of the resident wren.
Seated birders relished observing the white pelicans close up and for long as they liked. They were thrilled to be surrounded by many swooping swallows and their young. Because the stationary birders could easily consult their reference guides they were able to compare the difference in the flights of three swallow species: Barn, Tree and Violet-green. Their highlight of the day was a clear view of a Northern Yellow Warbler, an exciting first sighting for Denise. Total species: 34
August 12: Whidbey Coffee: BIN-North met for coffee in August due to the paucity of bird species this time of year. We shared favorite bird books and apps and talked about memorable bird sightings. Robbie shared a new bird book she likes: Birds of Coastal Washington by Tamara Enz, published by Timber Press. Denise brought us up-to-date on the restoration needed at Freund Marsh and the citizen action required to make it happen. For more information about Freund Marsh, contact Denise Marion.