Carkeek Park

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
Urban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM

About This Location

Carkeek Park is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 243 species recorded on eBird. This urban park habitat attracts Black-capped Chickadee, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, and Bushtit among many others. Coastal and forest habitats support impressive year-round resident species and seasonal migrants.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

3/6/2026Union Bay Natural Area/Montlake Fill1 observed

Spotted Towhee (maculatus Group)

Pipilo maculatus

3/5/2026Port Orchard Yard1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eurasian Wigeon

13/6/2026

American Wigeon

53/6/2026

Iceland Gull

23/6/2026

American Crow

1003/6/2026

American Robin

13/6/2026

Canada Goose

13/5/2026

Mallard

153/5/2026

Surf Scoter

453/5/2026

Common Goldeneye

43/5/2026

Barrow's Goldeneye

113/5/2026

Common Merganser

13/5/2026

Short-billed Gull

183/5/2026

Horned Grebe

93/5/2026

Red-throated Loon

13/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

23/5/2026

Bald Eagle

13/5/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

13/5/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

13/5/2026

Bewick's Wren

13/5/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

53/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Visit at dawn for peak songbird activity before crowds arrive.

  2. 2

    Check flowering trees and berry-producing shrubs for seasonal migrants.

  3. 3

    Pack rain gear — the best birding often coincides with drizzly conditions.

  4. 4

    Check eBird hotspot data before visiting to see recent sightings and what species are being reported.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Carkeek Park for birding?
The best months to visit Carkeek Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Carkeek Park?
Notable species at Carkeek Park include Black-capped Chickadee, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, Bushtit, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Northern Flicker, Gadwall, Rock Pigeon, American Crow, Double-crested Cormorant, Bald Eagle, Downy Woodpecker. The area supports urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Carkeek Park?
Birding at Carkeek Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Carkeek Park?
There is no entrance fee at Carkeek Park. Hours: Open daily, 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM.
What amenities are available at Carkeek Park?
Carkeek Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.