Birding Elwha Beach Lake and Estuary
Trip 1: Friday, April 12, 2024 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
Trip 2: Friday, April 12, 2024 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Location: Lower Elwha Road, Beach Lake gravel parking area with Port-a-Potty East of Stratton Road, 48.144421, -123.543963
Price: $30.00
Explore the creation of prime wildlife habitat on the newly formed delta of the Elwha River where beach armoring was removed starting in 2016. The Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe has granted us permission to explore this transforming landscape. We will walk on gravel, beach and road (up to 3 miles), birding by ear and scoping the Salish Sea and Elwha River Mouth. Excellent bird habitat is provided by stands of conifer and deciduous forest, fresh/brackish water, sand and logs. Forage fish such as herring are preyed upon by numerous local and migratory bird species. Shorebirds are expected to stopover on the estuary as kelp beds form and sand is colonized by mollusks, crustaceans, worms, and other sand-dwelling prey. Dress in layers of clothing that are ideally not 100% cotton (try to avoid jeans) and bring a rain jacket.