Gulls at Mouth of Elwha River—Photo: Cindy Fullwiler
OPAS Field Trip: Mouth of the Elwha River Bird Walk
Leader: Kathy McCoy
Date and time: Sunday, April 26, 9:30 a.m.—1:00 p.m. +
Number of participants: 12—Registration required. Register below at the “REGISTER” button.
Free
Meeting place: Meet at the mouth of the Elwha Beach trailhead parking area at 9:30 am.
Directions: Take 101 west from Port Angeles and in about 4 miles, turn right onto highway 112 west. At 2.2 miles, turn right onto Place Rd. At 1.9 miles turn right onto Elwha Dike Rd. Follow to the end of the road until you reach the mouth of the Elwha Beach trailhead parking. Once parked, there is a sign pointing towards the beach area. Here’s a link for driving directions.
Features: The mouth of the Elwha River is an intriguing place to visit, especially now. The landscape continues to reshape itself in the years since the dam removals—a living lesson in the power of the natural world. Please join me to explore this remarkable spot and to reflect on how the river’s restoration is transforming the delta. We’ll be there on an incoming tide, which means good bird activity—and a real challenge with the gulls. I’ll admit I haven’t spent nearly enough time puzzling out gulls, so let’s tackle them together and see what we can learn. The access trail meanders past a pond and through shrubby riparian habitat, offering a mix of water birds and a surprising abundance of songbirds. Many of our familiar lowland species should be present—swallows, kinglets, chickadees, a few warblers, and more. I’ll also be keeping an eye out for Hermit Thrushes, a personal favorite and always a treat to encounter. Here’s a link to the ebird bar chart for April species since 2022.
Special Requirements: The trail is very flat and firm for the first half‑mile or so before transitioning to soft sand. It’s not rough, but the sandy stretch can make walking a bit slower and more tiring. A porta potty is available at the first Y in the trail.
Equipment Required: Bring binoculars and wet/cold weather gear. If you have a scope please bring it. Protocol on scopes is to share and make sure everyone gets a look. I will bring 1-2 scopes, but the more the merrier. Please dress for the weather; I will be there, rain or shine.
Contact information: Kathy McCoy (208) 921-1340. Text or call if you have questions!
New! The OPAS field trip liability release form will now be included in the Eventbrite registration. It will require a check mark that indicates you have read and agree to the liability form language before registration continues. Important! Please provide your first and last name during registration. This requirement will free up your time and the field trip leader’s time to collect signatures.
Note: We have a waiting list, so if you cannot attend, please be courteous and let us know by emailing webmaster@olympicpeninsulaaudubon.org or cancel through Eventbrite.