Bob Wadsworth – April 21, 2021
Map: Edmond Marsh Trail ; eBird: Edmond Marsh
The Habitat
Take a walk on an easy trail through maple and conifer woodland, which sometimes becomes open scrubland. The trail borders the wetland which can be open water or simply water among the trees. The three-mile trail is partly on a dirt road which becomes a paved path and sidewalk through a neighborhood. This is a trail that is appropriate for walkers and motorized scooters.
The Directions (VERY IMPORTANT!) If you have never been to Edmond Marsh, please pay close attention to the following directions. The Dupont neighborhoods and public trails are wonderful but confusing.
Park at the former Girl Scout Regional Office at 1000 Davis Place, Dupont. The building was recently sold. If the large parking lot is not available, just park at the end of the cul-de-sac. The trail starts on the southwest side where there is an “Authorized Vehicles Only” sign.
When this short trail segment ends, turn right. Stay on the main trail, ignoring any trails going up the bank to the left. You will then come to a major intersection with five trails involved. The route we’ve chosen circles the marsh and is about 3 miles long. Take a right here where there is a sign saying “Edmond Marsh Intersection .3 mi”. (Be aware of Bell Marsh which is to your left. This marsh is more visible with less overgrowth. It is worth checking for ducks if you go in winter. The first trail leading off to the left will take you there.)
You will now be on a straight path with marsh on either side. When it ends, follow the path on the left with a sign saying “Sequalitchew Bridge .4 mi”. After you cross the bridge, look for the asphalt trail on the left and head up the slight incline. Follow the asphalt path; it will reach Tolmie. Stay on the path as it turns left and goes behind the houses. You will shortly find a backyard with multiple bird feeders and many birds taking advantage.
You will come out onto Hammond Ave; turn left (remember you are circling the marsh so lots of left turns) and follow Hammond until you reach Harrington. You will see a long wooden fence on the opposite side of Hammond – follow that fence line from your side. When you reach the end of Harrington Ave, cross Kincaid St and pick up the dirt trail again, going between two houses. Directly in front of you will be a cyclone fence and gate that encircle Chloe Clark Elementary School. Turn left without going through the gate. You will be directly behind fenced backyards. Stay to the left when encountering any side trails. You will be on the main trail as it again follows the edge of Edmond Marsh. You will return to the five trail intersection that you passed before. Stay straight, looking for a Davis Place sign. Turn left there and you will soon be back to the parking lot.
The Birds
The complete eBird list for the site has 119 species and we saw 34 on 4/21. The year-round list includes most of the common upland birds with a number of aquatic birds. The Black-throated Gray Warbler is the first migratory warbler to arrive. Other warblers are the Yellow-rumped Warbler and Orange-crowned Warbler. Hutton’s Vireo was also evident. There were several Marsh Wrens by the open water and around 20 Band-tailed Pigeons near the residential area where there were numerous bird feeders under large trees. A few lingering winter birds included a Varied Thrush, Fox Sparrow and two Lincoln Sparrows.
The eBird list below is from our scouting trip on April 21,2021
Edmond Marsh, DuPont, Pierce, Washington, US
Apr 21, 2021 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
36 species (+1 other taxa) and individuals counted
Canada Goose 4
Common/Red-breasted Merganser 1
Band-tailed Pigeon 20
Mourning Dove 3
Rufous Hummingbird 3
Bald Eagle 2 one adult and one juvenile
Red-tailed Hawk 1
Downy Woodpecker 2
Hairy Woodpecker 3
Northern Flicker 4
Hutton’s Vireo 3
California Scrub-Jay 10
Common Raven 6
Black-capped Chickadee 5
Violet-green Swallow 4
Bushtit 8
Red-breasted Nuthatch 8
Brown Creeper 2
Marsh Wren 6
Bewick’s Wren 3
European Starling 4
Varied Thrush 1
Evening Grosbeak 1
Purple Finch 4
Red Crossbill 10
Pine Siskin 10
Fox Sparrow 1
Dark-eyed Junco 2
White-crowned Sparrow 4
Golden-crowned Sparrow 2
Savannah Sparrow 2
Song Sparrow 7
Lincoln’s Sparrow 2
Spotted Towhee 8
Brown-headed Cowbird 6
Orange-crowned Warbler 6
Black-throated Gray Warbler 5
BEFORE YOU GO:
Before heading off for a birding adventure, here are some things to consider –
1. It’s always best to have a partner with you – both to maximize the joy and to minimize the risks. BHAS cannot ensure that these locations are totally safe.
2. Don’t forget to bring your mask and hand sanitizer. Have your mask handy and put it on when passing another person not in your party.
3. Leave valuables at home.
4. Check the weather and the bird reports before heading out. An easy way to check what birds have been seen is through Birder’s Dashboard http://birdingwashington.info/dashboard/. It is a simple way to research a species, place, or checklist.
