Libbey Beach viewing spot.
Join us for a seawatch small sit at Libbey Beach County Park, where seabirds abound in fall and winter! There is no walking for this fieldtrip, just sit or stand and observe the birds. Bring a chair if you want one.
Just North of Partridge Point Libbey, Beach gives great views out into Smith and Minor Island Aquatic Reserve and has a wonderful variety of seaducks, loons, and grebes in the fall and winter. This is one of the best locations on the island for Harlequin Ducks and Long-tailed Ducks. Expected species include Common, Pacific, and Red-throated Loons; Red-necked, Horned, and Western Grebes; Surf Scoters, Bufflehead, Goldeneyes, Red-breasted Mergansers. If there is some rocky shoreline exposed we may get to see and hear some of the areas resident Black Oystercatchers foraging along the shoreline, and the blufftop trees next to the beach access often contain more than one Bald Eagle.
There is no walking for this field trip, just sit or stand and observe the birds. Bring a chair if you want one. Beginners and those with children are welcome and encouraged to attend. The leader will have one scope to share. Loaner binoculars and bird guides will be available for use during the sit. Come for 5 minutes or stay for the full 2 hours. Participants are free to come and go as they please during the two-hour "sit".
We will bird from the flat area at the top of the seawall next to the stairs. There is a gentle ~20 foot long packed dirt/gravel slope down to the viewing area from the parking area (one van accessible paved parking spot, plus several other paved spaces and half a dozen mostly flat gravel parking spaces along the exit road). The closest restroom is at Fort Ebey State Park (accessible restroom is located at the Gun Battery parking lot). Service animals only please (no pets).
Libbey Beach County Park is ~3/4 mile from Island Transit’s #6 route.