Bald Eagle—Photo: Michelle Meney
Mouth of the Elwha River Bird Walk
Leader: Kathy McCoy
Date and time: Friday, November 13, 9:00 a.m.— 12p.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 9:00 am.
Kathy McCoy
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 and 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 will be there on an outgoing tide and will be challenged by the gull species there. Thankfully Bob Boekelheide will be along to keep us honest. The access trail meanders past a pond and shrubby riparian habitat so there may be a few residual migrants here as well as water birds. The focus will be on the gulls. Here’s a link to the ebird bar chart for October/November species since 2020 ebird bar charts.
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. Please dress for the weather; I will be there, rain or shine.
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.
Contact information: Kathy McCoy (208) 921-1340. Text or call if you have questions!
Liability Form: 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 and other participants’ names, if applicable, during registration. This requirement will free up your time and the field trip leader’s time to collect signatures.
Note: A waitlist has been enabled for this trip. If you need to cancel your reservation, please use eventbrite or email michelle@olybird.org.