Red-throated Loon—Photo: Michelle Meney
OPAS Field Trip: Port Williams and Gibson Spit
Leaders: Kathy McCoy & Michelle Meney
Saturday October 17, 2026—8:30 a.m. until noon
Limited to 12 participants
Registration required—register below
Free to attend
Meet at the Marlyn Nelson County Park at Port Williams
Join us at Port Williams and Gibson Spit to look for loons, alcids, waterfowl, gulls, and other winter birds along the shores of Sequim Bay.
Features: We’ll be spending the morning along the shore at the entrance to Sequim Bay, walking south from the county park along the shore, and back, less than 2-miles. The focus will be on birds on the water: gulls, waterfowl, cormorants, loons, and alcids. Migration is winding down; the winter birds are settling in. We will also take a look at the forest birds near the park itself and in the trees adjacent to the beach. We will observe plants and mammals as well as birds, so don’t be surprised if we stop to watch otters, or try to identify a beach plant.
There are records of 89 species seen here last year from September to November; that is the total for the period, not the average seen per day. So, while we are likely to see most any of these species, we are very, very unlikely to see them all. If you would like to see what has been spotted this time last year, click this link: eBird species, Sept to Nov, 2020-2025. An eBird list will be created that will be shared with you all via your email or eBird username.
Special Requirements: This is a beach walk, so wear whatever feels comfortable. Just be sure to dress for the weather; bring a raincoat, a fleece, water to drink, and a hiking stick if that helps you. We would highly recommend that you download eBird, Merlin, and Seek apps to your phone. If you have never used these apps, Kathy will be at the meeting place at 8 a.m. and will be happy to show you how.
Equipment Required: Bring your binoculars, scope if you have it. A scope will be available. Etiquette suggests sharing scope views with everyone.
Contact information: Kathy McCoy (208) 921-1340. Michelle Meney (206) 504 6864. 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