Wally World: Ride for the Raptors

The Samish Flats are one of the best locations in the state for viewing migrating raptors. A dozen or more species are recorded most years including Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Rough-legged Hawk, Northern Harrier, and five falcons (American Kestrel, Merlin, Gyrfalcon, Peregrine Falcon, and Prairie Falcon). Ten species of owls have been observed on the flats or in the adjacent forested foothills with Short-eared owl being frequently observed.  Shorebirds, Trumpeter and Tundra Swans, snow geese, and 25 other species of waterfowl are commonly observed in the various ponds and waterways. 

This is a scenic, steady paced ride (12 – 14 mph) paralleling Padilla Bay and crisscrossing the Samish Flats.  The first and last 2 miles of this route are fine, packed gravel and are suitable for road bikes.  The ride is mostly flat with only a couple of hills; everyone may climb the hills at their own pace, and we will regroup at the top.  This ride is as much about enjoying birds and nature as it is about riding a bicycle. Documentation of what to look for at different locations may be observed by clicking the camera icon in the RWGPS link below. Birds that have recently been reported in the area are listed in hyperlinks below.  If we spot birds at a good viewing distance, we will stop to observe and photograph.  It is suggested that you bring binoculars and possibly a camera with a zoom lens.

We will meet at the Padilla Bay trailhead where there is a Honey Bucket, but no water.  There is parking, but if the lot is full you may need to park on the shoulder.  Carpooling is strongly encouraged. To get to the trailhead take the Broad Street exit off of I5 in Mt Vernon (exit 226) and follow the signs towards Anacortes.  Turn right on Bayview Edison Road off of Highway 20.  The Padilla Bay trailhead is on your left less than a mile north of this intersection. Bring water and any food you may want as neither are available on the route. We will stop for a picnic lunch at mile 13.7 on Samish Island at a spot overlooking Samish Bay.

Please be ready to ride at 10:00. We will start with a required safety briefing and roll out when that's done. All riders must attend the safety briefing to participate. Be sure to bring a spare tube as well as the tools and knowledge to fix a flat - we will stay with you while you fix a flat. If the roads are wet, please have fenders or plan on riding at the end of the line.

Typically rides of this distance take about 3 hours. Because we will be stopping to watch birds, the ride is likely to take at least 4 hours and possibly longer. If, while you are looking at one of the lists on the links below, you click on the name of a bird, you will be redirected to photographs of the species.

Note: If weather conditions meet the weather cancelation criterion listed above (including rain, freezing weather, ice or snow, or high winds) or if there are unforeseen hazardous riding conditions or other unexpected events, the Ride Leader will cancel the ride and all registered riders will be sent a notification email. If the ride is canceled at least two hours before the start, Ride Leader(s) will not be at the start location. Please check before leaving for the ride.

We hope you can join us!