Union Bay Natural Area (Seattle)

47.65367 , -122.29202

United States of America (USA)

Union Bay Natural Area (UBNA), known as the Montlake Fill (or just "The Fill") to local birders, is a roughly 75-acre public area managed by the University of Washington next to Lake Washington. Due to its being managed by the University as a reasearch area, there are several changes annually in management strategy that change access to some areas. The Fill is a fantastic migrant trap in Seattle and has hosted over 250 species.

Delete exact location

The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Site name was changed by Eric Hope into "Union Bay Natural Area (Seattle)" (2023-01-24 23:34:57 )

Site name was changed by Eric Hope into "Union Bay Natural Area - "The Fill"" (2023-01-24 23:34:45 )

Site name was changed by Eric Hope into "Union Bay Natural Area ("The Fill")" (2023-01-24 23:34:26 )

Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : 47.6537/-122.2920 (2020-11-20 14:41:07 )

Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "Union Bay Natural Area (Seattle)" (2020-11-20 14:41:07 )

Edited by Eric Hope on 2023-01-24 23:33:18
Union Bay Natural Area (UBNA), known as the Montlake Fill (or just "The Fill") to local birders, is a roughly 75-acre public area managed by the University of Washington next to Lake Washington. Due to its being managed by the University as a reasearch area, there are several changes annually in management strategy that change access to some areas. The Fill is a fantastic migrant trap in Seattle and has hosted over 250 species.

  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator)
Eurasian Wigeon (Mareca penelope)
Short-billed Gull (Larus brachyrhynchus)
American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus)
Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla)

Short-billed Gull (Larus brachyrhynchus) was added by Eric Hope (2023-01-25 00:10:03)

American Bittern (Botaurus lentiginosus) was added by Eric Hope (2023-01-24 23:58:33)

Eurasian Wigeon (Mareca penelope) was added by Eric Hope (2023-01-24 23:58:16)

Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator) was added by Eric Hope (2023-01-24 23:57:47)

Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla) was added by Eric Hope (2023-01-24 23:57:33)

  • Timing and strategy

Locals enjoy this spot primarily for waterfowl and as a migrant trap. The best time for waterfowl is from late-fall through early-spring and a scope is a must if you want to identify all the birds on the water (though many may still be observed and safely identified solely with binoculars). This is a popular spot for joggers and dog-walkers so getting an early start is always helpful to get the most out of your visit. 

While visiting, please stay avoid "social" trails and stick to the main paths to avoid further degrading this site. For those seeking more information about referenced area names on UBNA eBird checklists, check this map.

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Eric Hope on 2023-01-25 00:12
Locals enjoy this spot primarily for waterfowl and as a migrant trap. The best time for waterfowl is from late-fall through early-spring and a scope is a must if you want to identify all the birds on the water (though many may still be observed and safely identified solely with binoculars). This is a popular spot for joggers and dog-walkers so getting an early start is always helpful to get the most out of your visit.  For While visiting, please stay avoid "social" trails and stick to the main paths to avoid further degrading this site. For those seeking more information about referenced area names on UBNA eBird checklists, check this map.
Edited by Eric Hope on 2023-01-25 00:09
Locals enjoy this spot primarily for waterfowl and as a migrant trap. The best time for waterfowl is from late-fall through early-spring and a scope is a must if you want to identify all the birds on the water (though many may still be observed and safely identified solely with binoculars). This is a popular spot for joggers and dog-walkers so getting an early start is always helpful to get the most out of your visit.  For those seeking particular species with referenced more information about referenced area names on UBNA eBird checklists within UBNA, checklists, check this map.
Edited by Eric Hope on 2023-01-25 00:08
Locals enjoy this spot primarily for waterfowl and as a migrant trap. The best time for waterfowl is from late-fall through early-spring and a scope is a must if you want to identify all the birds on the water (though many may still be observed and safely identified solely with binoculars). This is a popular spot for joggers and dog-walkers so getting an early start is always helpful to get the most out of your visit.   For those seeking particular species with referenced area names on eBird checklists within UBNA, check this map.
Edited by Eric Hope on 2023-01-24 23:49
Locals enjoy this spot primarily for waterfowl and as a migrant trap. The best time for waterfowl is from late-fall through early-spring and a scope is a must if you want to identify all the birds on the water (though many may still be observed and safely identified solely with binoculars). This is a popular spot for joggers and dog-walkers so getting an early start is always helpful to get the most out of your visit. 
  • How to get there

UBNA is roughly a 15-minute drive from downtown Seattle and may also be accessed via King County Metro Transit buses. The "University of Washington" Link Lightrail station is about a 15-minute walk from UBNA. 

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Eric Hope on 2023-01-24 23:53
UBNA is roughly a 15-minute drive from downtown Seattle and may also be accessed via King County Metro Transit buses. The "University of Washington" Link Lightrail station is about a 15-minute walk from UBNA. 

UBNA is free to visit and open to the public.

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Eric Hope on 2023-01-24 23:53
UBNA is free to visit and open to the public.
  • Other attractions

By following the Canal Road (at University Slough) south along the edge of Lake Washington, you can walk all the way from UBNA to Foster Island and the University of Washington Arboretum (though the round-trip walking distance may make this undesireable). 

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Eric Hope on 2023-01-24 23:56
By following the Canal Road (at University Slough) south along the edge of Lake Washington, you can walk all the way from UBNA to Foster Island and the University of Washington Arboretum (though the round-trip walking distance may make this undesireable). 

There are many stores and restaurants at the nearby University Village shopping center. 

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Eric Hope on 2023-01-24 23:54
There are many stores and restaurants at the nearby University Village shopping center. 

As is important everywhere in Seattle, ensure you have no valuable items in view in your vehicle wherever you park. Prowling is less common here than some other regional birding hotspots, but it does occur.

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by Eric Hope on 2023-01-25 00:07
As is important everywhere in Seattle, ensure you have no valuable items in view in your vehicle wherever you park. Prowling is less common here than some other regional birding hotspots, but it does occur.
All information about this site was contributed by Orniverse users. Neither Orniverse nor the contributors accept responsibility for the completeness and accuracy of the information provided.

Local guides

Gallery

No images found

Reports

Season:
to
Species:
no reports found
Union Bay Natural Area (Seattle) - Orniverse