Mid-March Birding in Mason County

Field Trip

When:

March 16^th, 2024, 8 – 12 PM

Trip leader:

Timothy Leque

Registration:

Email Timothy for registration. timleque@nullhotmail.com

Description:

We will start the morning at Potlatch State Park, meeting at the entrance and parking area along U.S. 101 at 8:00 AM. A Discover Pass is required to park at Potlatch State Park. From the parking area we will scan Hood Canal for waterfowl. This location often has good numbers of multiple grebe species, as well as scoters, loons, and a variety of ducks.

Next, we will drive to Hunter Farms where there is potential to observe multiple species of raptors and numerous passerine species, including flocks of blackbirds and possibly some early spring migrants. The flooded farms fields often attract a variety of waterfowl and gulls as well. We can walk the publicly accessible areas of the farm.

Finally, as an optional stop, we will visit the outskirts of Sanderson Field. This area has the potential for kestrels and bluebirds in March, and even a possible Horned Lark might be heard skylarking over the airfield. We will plan to wrap up birding by around noon.

Pace – Leisurely (meandering, many breaks to stop and observe); Terrain – Soft ground, sand, gravel, dirt roads; Walking Distance = No more than a mile at each stop.

Restrooms

There are public restrooms at Potlatch State Park, and portable toilets at Hunter Farms.

What to bring: Binoculars, spotting scope. Water. Waterproof and insulated clothing. Day-time temperatures can range from 30s-60s this time of year, rain is likely. Waterproof shoes or boots recommended; Hunter Farms can be muddy.

Directions:

The meeting location is at Potlatch State Park, just south of Hoodsport.

Parking:

Potlatch State Park – There is plenty of parking available at this state park. This location requires a Discover Pass. (47.361490, -123.156378).

Hunter Farms – There is a gravel lot at the farm store, and some overflow parking nearby.      (47.318892, -123.134003).

Sanderson Field – There is a paved roundabout where one can park at the southeast entrance of the airfield. (47.239637, -123.137597).

Photo credit: Horned Grebe, by Rachel Hudson.