Olympic National Park: A Birder’s Paradise

What opportunities are there for bird watching at Olympic National Park?

Olympic National Park isn’t just a visual feast – it’s a symphony of birdsong for the dedicated birder. Over 300 species call this park home, making it a haven for anyone with a passion for our feathered friends. Whether you’re a seasoned naturalist or a curious beginner, Olympic National Park offers a birding adventure unlike any other.

A Chorus for Every Habitat:

• Soaring through the Rainforest:  The emerald embrace of the rainforest shelters an abundance of avian residents. Listen for the rhythmic drumming of the pileated woodpecker, the haunting call of the spotted owl, and the vibrant song of the varied thrush. Keep an eye out for the elusive marbled murrelet, a seabird that nests high in the old-growth trees.
• Soaring Above the Trees:  Look to the skies for the majestic bald eagle, a symbol of the Pacific Northwest. Spot the wingspan of the osprey as it dives for fish in the lakes and rivers.  With a keen eye, you might even glimpse a golden eagle soaring high above the peaks. When you stay at Domaine Madeleine Boutique Hotel, you’ll find a nesting pair of bald eagles who regularly stay on the property to fish and hunt from a perch high above the bluff at the western edge of the treeline.
• Wading Along the Shores:  The park’s saltwater beaches and estuaries teem with birdlife. Watch flocks of sandpipers flitting along the water’s edge, the distinctive orange legs of the American oystercatcher, and the graceful flight of the great blue heron. Don’t forget to scan the water for ducks, geese, and loons.
• A Symphony of Song:  Meadows and bogs burst with color and song in the spring and summer. Listen for the melodic calls of the hermit thrush, the vibrant whistle of the western tanager, and the unmistakable rattle of the kingfisher.

Beyond the Park:

While Olympic National Park is a birding paradise, don’t miss the surrounding areas.  The Dungeness National Wildlife Refuge offers excellent opportunities for spotting waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors.  The Sequim area with its diverse habitats is another great spot to add to your birding itinerary, especially at the Dungeness River Nature Center and Railroad Bridge Park. And at Domaine Madeleine, guests often spot bald eagles, robins, stellar jays, hummingbirds, goldfinch, mallard ducks, Canada geese, owls, blackbirds, woodpeckers, and the occasional elusive grouse playing and singing in the gardens right outside their room.

Tech Tools for Every Birder:

Enhance your birding experience with the Merlin Bird ID app by Cornell Lab of Ornithology. This free app uses your phone’s microphone to identify birds by their songs and calls. It also provides detailed information about each species, including photos, descriptions, and range maps. You can get the free app here https://merlin.allaboutbirds.org/

Birding in Olympic National Park is an unforgettable experience. With its diverse habitats, abundant birdlife, and stunning scenery, the park offers something for every birder, rain or shine. So, grab your binoculars, download the Merlin app, book your stay at Domaine Madeleine and get ready to be captivated by the chorus of the Olympic wilderness!