Spencer Island
Washington · Pacific Northwest
Moderate
March-May, November-January
Free
Dawn to dusk daily
About This Location
Spencer Island is a 425-acre wetland preserve at the confluence of the Snohomish and Steamboat Slough rivers near Everett, Washington. The island's restored tidal marsh, freshwater ponds, and riparian forest create one of the best birding sites in the greater Seattle area for waterfowl, shorebirds, and marsh birds.
The island is split between a managed wildlife area (north half, owned by Snohomish County) and a natural tidal marsh (south half). The cross-dike trail provides excellent views of both halves. Spring brings returning Osprey, nesting Red-winged Blackbirds and Marsh Wrens, and migrant shorebirds on the mudflats. The marshes host Virginia Rails and American Bitterns, while the riparian edges attract Yellow Warblers and Common Yellowthroats. Bald Eagles nest nearby and are a regular sight year-round.
Location
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Live Bird Data
Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Notable Sightings
Say's Phoebe
Sayornis saya
Say's Phoebe
Sayornis saya
White-throated Sparrow
Zonotrichia albicollis
Trumpeter Swan
Cygnus buccinator
Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)
Colaptes auratus
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Zonotrichia atricapilla
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Zonotrichia atricapilla
White-throated Sparrow
Zonotrichia albicollis
Hudsonian Whimbrel
Numenius hudsonicus
American Bittern
Botaurus lentiginosus
Northern Shrike
Lanius borealis
American White Pelican
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
Black Phoebe
Sayornis nigricans
American White Pelican
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
Golden Eagle
Aquila chrysaetos
Cassin's Finch
Haemorhous cassinii
Swamp Sparrow
Melospiza georgiana
Sora
Porzana carolina
Say's Phoebe
Sayornis saya
White-throated Sparrow
Zonotrichia albicollis
Birding Tips
- 1
Park at the 4th Street trailhead in Everett and walk the elevated dike trail to the island
- 2
The cross-dike trail bisecting the island provides the best views of both managed and wild marsh habitats
- 3
Spring high tides push shorebirds onto the exposed mudflats closest to the trail
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Jetty Island
- Langus Riverfront Park
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