Looking for wildlife spots around Seattle, WA
Jan 25, 2024 06:05:22 #
Hello
the title basically says it all: I will be in the Seattle area in May; any advice on good spots for wildlife photography are highly appreciated.
Thanks, everyone
the title basically says it all: I will be in the Seattle area in May; any advice on good spots for wildlife photography are highly appreciated.
Thanks, everyone
Jan 25, 2024 10:48:18 #
I've lived in Washington State all my life (which is a long time). I grew up mostly in Seattle. I live south of Seattle now. Closest to me is what we used to call the "Nisqually Wildlife Refuge" and now called the "Billy Frank Jr. National Wildlife Refuge".
I might be able to help if you define "Seattle area", what kind of wildlife you are looking for, your physical capabilities, the gear you have, what you have for transportation and how far you can travel from Seattle.
I might be able to help if you define "Seattle area", what kind of wildlife you are looking for, your physical capabilities, the gear you have, what you have for transportation and how far you can travel from Seattle.
Jan 25, 2024 11:06:19 #
bobforman
Loc: Anacortes, Washington State
Skagit Valley, 1 and 1/2 hours north of Seattle has several places to photograph birds and other wildlife. The areas around Box and Edison are flat open farmlands and mud flats great for birds. Fir Island near Conroy is on a river delta where migratory birds gather. There's also a sanctuary near there too. Driving up Hwy 20 through Sedro Wooley and Concrete offer many places to see coyotes, deer and sometimes elk, and, of course, birds.
Jan 25, 2024 13:09:50 #
JFCoupe
Loc: Kent, Washington
Seabeck is the place to go for good bald eagle action in May and June. Low tide is the best time to be there, and better yet to be there 60-90 minutes before low tide and shoot as the tide goes out. A small fish, Midshipman, is spawning at this time. They get trapped in the tide pools and the eagles feast on them.
Hop on I-5 and go south through Tacoma and past Bremerton towards Silverdale. Drive time is probably 1.5 hours from downtown Seattle but well worth the drive.
Hop on I-5 and go south through Tacoma and past Bremerton towards Silverdale. Drive time is probably 1.5 hours from downtown Seattle but well worth the drive.
Jan 25, 2024 13:35:17 #
Thanks everybody for your helpful tips. Looking forward to being there in a couple of months
Jan 25, 2024 13:44:45 #
bsprague wrote:
I've lived in Washington State all my life (which ... (show quote)
Thanks for your reply. Right now I only know that I will arrive at SEA on May 18th and will stay there until May 31st. I have not made any living arrangements yet, so not yet sure, where exactly I will end up staying.
I will have my own car so basically can go anywhere, but since my family will be there, too, I, I will limit myself to around 2 hours of driving one way.
For that same reason (family with me) actual photo shootings will be limited to a couple of hours. During that time I have no issues walking a lot (uphill, downhill, whatever) and carrying a ton of gear while I do so.
Speaking of gear, I will have my Z9 and lenses covering anything from 24 - 850mm.
Any tips are greatly appreciated (I will reply again, once I know where I'll be staying)
Jan 25, 2024 16:47:11 #
phot0n0ob wrote:
Thanks for your reply. Right now I only know that ... (show quote)
Like most places, there are lots of birds. You've had some good advice where to look. The furry part of wildlife shooting is much harder. There are a lot of seals in Puget Sound but the best viewing needs a boat. There is also wale watching.
There are furry critters in both Mt. Rainier and Olympic National Parks, but getting them to come out and pose is hard. On a good day, a coyote will wander through our yard.
Keep your fingers crossed for clear days and include landscapes on your shooting list. Other than birds, you may go home empty handed if you only want "wildlife" within 2 hours of Seattle.
Jan 25, 2024 18:41:33 #
Equus
Loc: Puget Sound
Nisquially is good for birds and quite accessible
Mt Rainier is excellent and about two hours away. Both the Paradise side and the East side are good. It is possible to see some larger mammals on the East side.
Theller Wetlands is a possible and is within the two hours.
There are a lot of hikes within an hour from Seattle toward Snoqualmi
Skagit river is always an option
It is possible that the Tulips will still be out up north
Please excuse the spelling
Mt Rainier is excellent and about two hours away. Both the Paradise side and the East side are good. It is possible to see some larger mammals on the East side.
Theller Wetlands is a possible and is within the two hours.
There are a lot of hikes within an hour from Seattle toward Snoqualmi
Skagit river is always an option
It is possible that the Tulips will still be out up north
Please excuse the spelling
Jan 26, 2024 00:35:29 #
phot0n0ob wrote:
Hello
the title basically says it all: I will be in the Seattle area in May; any advice on good spots for wildlife photography are highly appreciated.
Thanks, everyone
the title basically says it all: I will be in the Seattle area in May; any advice on good spots for wildlife photography are highly appreciated.
Thanks, everyone
They at least used to do cruises of the San Juan Islands periodically just for bird watchers. Or, if you prefer there should be whale watching tours that time of year as well.
Jan 26, 2024 07:04:38 #
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
phot0n0ob wrote:
Hello
the title basically says it all: I will be in the Seattle area in May; any advice on good spots for wildlife photography are highly appreciated.
Thanks, everyone
the title basically says it all: I will be in the Seattle area in May; any advice on good spots for wildlife photography are highly appreciated.
Thanks, everyone
Woodland Park Zoo. 2,100. ...
Washington Park Arboretum. 721. ...
Edmonds Underwater Park. Nature & Wildlife Areas. ...
Magnolia Park. Nature & Wildlife Areas • Playgrounds. ...
Commodore Park. Nature & Wildlife Areas • Parks. ...
Landover Woods Greenspace. Nature & Wildlife Areas • Hiking Trails. ...
Trolley Hill Park.
Jan 26, 2024 13:35:08 #
phot0n0ob wrote:
Hello
the title basically says it all: I will be in the Seattle area in May; any advice on good spots for wildlife photography are highly appreciated.
Thanks, everyone
the title basically says it all: I will be in the Seattle area in May; any advice on good spots for wildlife photography are highly appreciated.
Thanks, everyone
One of the very best bird viewing/photographing spots in the world in Pint-No-Point Lighthouse and environs. Attached a few examples of what may be seen. All taken in May.
Jan 26, 2024 19:19:15 #
Sinewsworn wrote:
One of the very best bird viewing/photographing spots in the world in Pint-No-Point Lighthouse and environs. Attached a few examples of what may be seen. All taken in May.
You first shot of the sea otter (?) is fantastic.
Jan 26, 2024 20:11:43 #
bsprague wrote:
You first shot of the sea otter (?) is fantastic.
Thanx! River otter. D850, 300pF.
Jan 27, 2024 10:21:11 #
Wow! Really nice photos, Tim. I love the Otter!! I might have to dispute your statement a bit. But yeah, Point no Point is a pretty cool place! The Eagle isn't too shabby either!!
Jan 27, 2024 10:48:41 #
Retired CPO wrote:
Wow! Really nice photos, Tim. I love the Otter!! I might have to dispute your statement a bit. But yeah, Point no Point is a pretty cool place! The Eagle isn't too shabby either!!
Signs by the Audubon Society and others denote the continued excellent bird flybys.
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