Union Bay Natural Area/Montlake Fill

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Union Bay Natural Area/Montlake Fill is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 264 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Wood Duck, and Northern Shoveler 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

Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

3/6/2026Frager Rd. (north)1 observed

Spotted Towhee (maculatus Group)

Pipilo maculatus

3/5/2026Port Orchard Yard1 observed

Song Sparrow (melodia/atlantica)

Melospiza melodia

3/5/2026Marymoor Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cackling Goose

23/6/2026

Canada Goose

103/6/2026

Northern Shoveler

153/6/2026

Gadwall

23/6/2026

American Wigeon

303/6/2026

Mallard

163/6/2026

Ring-necked Duck

303/6/2026

Lesser Scaup

33/6/2026

Bufflehead

353/6/2026

Common Goldeneye

43/6/2026

Barrow's Goldeneye

23/6/2026

Common Merganser

83/6/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

103/6/2026

American Coot

3003/6/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

13/6/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

33/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

73/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/6/2026

Cooper's Hawk

13/6/2026

Bald Eagle

33/6/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.

  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 Union Bay Natural Area/Montlake Fill for birding?
The best months to visit Union Bay Natural Area/Montlake Fill for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Union Bay Natural Area/Montlake Fill?
Notable species at Union Bay Natural Area/Montlake Fill include Canada Goose, Wood Duck, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Northern Flicker, Rock Pigeon, American Crow, Double-crested Cormorant, Hooded Merganser, Black-capped Chickadee, Bald Eagle. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Union Bay Natural Area/Montlake Fill?
Birding at Union Bay Natural Area/Montlake Fill is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Union Bay Natural Area/Montlake Fill?
There is no entrance fee at Union Bay Natural Area/Montlake Fill. Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Union Bay Natural Area/Montlake Fill?
Union Bay Natural Area/Montlake Fill offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.