Bird Watching at North Cascades National Park

The North Cascades National Park lies in the state of Washington, a few hours away from Seattle. Stretching across more than 500,000 acres, it is one of the three National Park Service units that form the North Cascades National Park Complex. The park is divided into two parts, a northern and southern section by the Skagit River while Lake Chelan flows on the southern border of the south section. Aside from the two national recreational areas (including the two
lakes), several national forests, and wilderness areas, the Canadian provincial parks in British Columbia come under the park’s protection. The topography is formed from rugged features highlighting the mountain peaks of the North Cascades Range, the largest glacial system in the contiguous United States, headwaters of many waterways, and expansive forested areas that offer a huge population of biodiversity in terms of plants and animals, larger than any other American National Park.

Major Attractions at North Cascades National Park

There are a ton of viewpoints, hiking trails, and attractions to visit inside North Cascades National Park. The North Cascades Highway or State Highway 20 is the only paved roadway that travels from the east-west along the Skagit River. This route is popular for the scenic views and several overlooks, short hikes, and lakes that lie on it. The Sterling Munro Trail is a 300-foot boardwalk trail that crosses the beautiful Picket Range. The Diablo Lake Vista Point is one of
the most famous overlooks in the park. The lake surface shines in an unusual milky green-blue color that comes from the melted glaciers. Gorge Lake Overlook gives an unrestricted view of the Skagit Gorge and the Gorge Dam, a hydroelectric dam inside North Cascades National Park.

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Bird Watching at North Cascades National Park

More than 200 species of birds that fly through and use the park as a breeding ground can be found inside the North Cascades. The steep elevations and the waterways surrounded by densely forested areas make a diverse habitat that ranges from mountain meadows to low-elevation forests, and wetlands.

About 50% of the birds that breed in the park are migratory like the Warbling Vireos, Swainson’s Thrushes, Wilson’s Warblers, and Western Tanagers. Concentrated populations of wintering Bald Eagles of continental United States can be seen near the Skagit River.

Other common bird species found inside North Cascades National Park include both the Golden Eagle and the Bald Eagle. Along with the Spotted Owl, Harlequin Duck, Clark’s Nutcracker, and Trumpeter Swan. The Western Tanager, Cassin’s Vireo, Pine Grosbeak, and Pileated Woodpecker. There are primarily ground-dwelling birds such as the Sooty Grouse can be seen occasionally in certain seasons. The Peregrine Falcon is the only bird federally listed as an endangered species that is found in the park whereas the Marbled Murrelet and Spotted Owl are listed as threatened.

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Bald Eagle

Bald Eagles are dark brown, and their heads are covered in white feathers. You can find these birds throughout North America. They were once endangered; however, now they are flourishing because they are protected. They make their homes near rivers, large lakes, and coasts. Bald Eagles are the national bird of the United States. They usually soar through the sky alone. They lay 1 to 3 eggs and both parents feed and care for the young. As winter comes, they gather in groups sometimes known as “soars” and migrate south.

Pileated Woodpecker

Pileated Woodpeckers are a beautiful black color with white stripes down their neck and a bright red crest. They live in the eastern region of North America. Their population is stable after a slight decrease prior to 1900. Pileated Woodpeckers like to drum on old logs or near the base of a tree. They like to dig rectangular holes in trees while trying to find ants to eat. They lay 3 to 5 eggs and make their nests in dead trees or utility poles. Pileated Woodpeckers are permanent residents.

Barn Swallow

Barn Swallows have vibrant blue and brown colors. They live throughout North America. Barn Swallows are abundant birds and are not endangered. They make their habitat in open fields, near water. They fly low just a few inches above the ground or water searching for flying insects to eat. Barn Swallows are the most common Swallow species in the world. They build their nests under eaves of buildings, in cliffs, or on bridges. They lay 4 to 5 eggs. Barn Swallows migrate south in flocks in mid-August.

Black-capped Chickadee

Black-capped Chickadees are gray and white with a black cap. You can find these birds throughout North America. They are a common bird with an increasing population. Black-capped Chickadees live in shade trees and groves. They are easy to attract backyard feeders because they like seeds. They also like insects and berries. Black-capped Chickadees lay 6 to 8 eggs in holes they make in trees. They are not migratory birds; however, some groups go south in the fall.

Calliope Hummingbird

Calliope Hummingbirds are small green birds with a white chest and a beautiful purple throat. They live in the northwestern mountains of North America. They are common and are not at risk of becoming endangered. These Hummingbirds make their homes in mountain canyons and forests. Calliope Hummingbirds are the smallest bird in North America. They rely on nectar and small flying insects for food. They lay 2 small white eggs and sometimes build their nests in the bottom of a pinecone! Calliope Hummingbirds migrate throughout the Rocky Mountain range.

Downy Woodpecker

Downy Woodpeckers are black and white with a small red patch on their head. They are the smallest Woodpeckers and you can find them throughout North America. Downy Woodpeckers are common and their population is steady with no risk of being endangered. They make their homes in backyards, parks, and woodlots. Downy Woodpeckers do not sing songs; they drum. In the winter, they like to hang out with other birds such as the Nuthatch and Chickadee. They eat mostly insects, but also eat seeds and berries. Downy Woodpeckers build their nests in holes of dead trees and keep them camouflaged. They lay 4 to 5 eggs. Downy Woodpeckers are permanent residents; however, some in the north migrate south in the winter.

Purple Finch

Purple Finches are a purple-red color with light brown wings. They also have a large beak that they use to crack open seeds. Purple Finches live in eastern North America, with some on the Pacific Coast as well. There has been a decrease in Purple Finches in the northeast area, but the population overall is stable. They make their homes in woods or groves and in the suburbs. Purple Finches make a warbling sound but can often mimic other birds like Barn Swallows or Brown-headed Cowbirds. Purple Finches lay 4 to 5 eggs in a cup-shaped nest, usually 20 feet high in a tree. These finches are migratory birds, migrating in flocks by day.

Killdeer

Killdeer are brown with white underbellies. They are common, widespread birds found throughout North America. They are not close to being endangered. Killdeer are one of the few shorebirds you can see without going to the beach. They make their homes near golf courses, athletic fields, parking lots, and backyards. Killdeer eat insects as they run across the ground. They usually lay 4 eggs and make their nests on the ground. They are easy to see. Southern Killdeer live permanently in the south; however, the birds found in the north do migrate south.

Rufous Hummingbird

Rufous Hummingbirds are an orange color almost like a penny. They also have red throats and long straight bills. Their population has declined, but they are still common and widespread. They make their homes in mountain meadows and forests in the western part of North America. Rufous Hummingbirds like to feed on nectar and insects. They will visit hummingbird feeders in backyards. They are very protective and will chase off other birds or animals. Rufous Hummingbirds lay about 2 eggs and make their nests very camouflaged up in trees. They migrate along the western part of North America sometimes reaching parts of Alaska and down to South America.

Song Sparrow

Song Sparrows have a brown and gray body with streaks. Their coloring can change depending upon the area they are in. You can find these birds all over North America. Their population is widespread and steady. They make their homes in thickets, brush, and around marshes. Song Sparrows eat small insects like wasps and ants, but will also come to bird feeders for seed. They lay 3 to 5 eggs in a nest low to the ground. Song Sparrows in the north migrate to the south for the winter.

Final Thoughts

The variety in landscape and habitat along with the suitable climate and abundantly available resources like fresh water and vegetation attracts large numbers of different bird species. The concentration is particularly high during the migratory months. In this season, North Cascades National Park becomes a hub for birdwatchers, welcoming a ton of people for birding each year.

Ornithology

Bird Watching Academy & Camp Subscription Boxes

At the Bird Watching Academy & Camp we help kids, youth, and adults get excited and involved in bird watching. We have several monthly subscription boxes that you can subscribe to. Our monthly subscription boxes help kids, youth, and adults learn about birds, bird watching, and bird conservation.

Bird Watching Binoculars

The most common types of bird watching binoculars for viewing birds at North Cascades National Park is the 8×21 binoculars and 10×42 binoculars. Bird Watching Academy & Camp sells really nice 8×21 binoculars and 10×42 binoculars. You can view and purchase them here.