Gary Wiles – January 9, 2021
Map: Black Lake Meadows; eBird: Black Lake Meadows Ditch
This 46-acre site is a pleasant birding destination located in southwest Olympia next to Mottman Industrial Park and is especially convenient for birders living on the west side of Olympia and nearby Tumwater. The property is administered by the City of Olympia as a stormwater retention wetland and is open for public access. Black Lake Ditch flows through the site and is an artificial creek built in 1922 that connects Black Lake to Percival Creek. South of Black Lake Ditch, the property features a 1.1-mile loop along a small gravel road. A variety of habitats are present here, including a willow-dominated wetland, stands of different aged conifers, and patches of alder and ash trees, all of which enhance birding opportunities. North of Black Lake Ditch is a long narrow retention pond with grassy vegetation that can be viewed from the sidewalk along RW Johnson Blvd SW and 21st Ave SW. Black Lake Meadows receives relatively little public visitation, thus visitors can expect to be alone much of the time. Weekends typically produce somewhat quieter conditions with less street noise. The width of the gravel road means that it’s relatively easy to visit the site with a friend while maintaining social distancing.
Black Lake Meadows is perfect for spending an hour or two of birding time. The area is an eBird hotspot, with 132 species of birds currently recorded. Species most frequently seen are those common to the Olympia area, but rarities do occasionally appear and regular visits throughout the year should produce a nice overall species list. Species counts are usually highest during late spring and summer. Small numbers of ducks can sometimes be seen in the retention ponds on both sides of Black Lake Ditch as well as in the creek itself. Visitors should also be sure to watch for flyovers of raptors and other birds, which can include waterbirds transiting between Black Lake and Capitol Lake. One nice option is that birders can walk off-trail throughout the property, which allows closer viewing of certain habitats, but rubber boots are desirable when doing so.
Directions: Black Lake Meadows is easily accessed from two directions. From Hwy 101, take the exit for Cooper Pt Rd/Automall Dr and go left (south) towards South Puget Sound Community College, then right onto Mottman Rd to RW Johnson Blvd SW, then right 0.1 mile to the parking lot on the left. The area can also be reached from Hwy 101 by taking the Black Lake Blvd/West Olympia exit, then going south 0.3 miles on Black Lake Blvd SW, then turning left onto 21st Ave SW for 0.25 miles, which becomes RW Johnson Blvd SW, and then driving another 0.1 mile to the parking lot on the right. Note that there is currently no signage identifying the property.
Parking: A dirt parking lot for eight cars is located just off and west of RW Johnson Blvd SW between the railroad track and Black Lake Ditch. Enter this area carefully; there are large potholes.
Other information: No permit is required and no hours of visitation are posted. There are no bathrooms onsite. Dogs are allowed but must be kept on-leash; dog-walkers are occasionally encountered. This site is accessible to people using walkers. However, the entry gate does not allow access to scooters and wheelchairs.
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.
