Kyle Leader – May 9, 2021
Map: Scatter Creek Wildlife Area; eBird: Scatter Creek Wildlife Area
Scatter Creek Wildlife Area is one of Thurston County’s best birding destinations. It offers a variety of habitats as well as the chance to observe species that are seldom seen in Western Washington.
The wildlife area’s main access point is about 20 minutes south of Olympia off of 180th Ave, near Grand Mound. The large parking area (Discover Pass required) includes a porta-potty (bring your own sanitizer). This location is not appropriate for mobility challenged birders.
The wildlife area is mostly brushy fields and prairie with some oak woods and conifer forests as well. After parking, walk around the gate and take a right. Check the skies for swallows and the grassy area for sparrows. California Quail are occasionally in the dense brush south of the parking area.
Not too far down the path is a side trail that will take you to Scatter Creek itself. Check here for Marsh Wren, Common Yellowthroat, Wood Duck and Hooded Merganser. The conifer forests on the other side of the creek often have Red-breasted Nuthatch and Purple Finch.
Back on the main trail you will pass through a patch of oak woods. This is a good spot to see Chipping Sparrow and House Wren, two species that are seldom seen elsewhere in Thurston County. As the trees start to recede again you will see several burned stumps. This has been a good place to see Vesper Sparrow lately.
From here you will see a sign telling you which path to take. If you are visiting in spring and summer you will take the inner loop. If you’re going in fall or winter you can take the outer loop, which takes you out on the prairie and is a good place to see meadowlarks, bluebirds, and Northern Shrike. The inner loop has woods on one side and prairie on the other. On the woods side, check for sparrows, flycatchers and Lazuli Bunting. On the prairie side, check for meadowlarks, Savannah Sparrows and kestrels. During a recent visit I found 45 species in an hour and forty-five minutes of birding.
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.
