Whatcom County

Semiahmoo Spit

A narrow spit between Semiahmoo Bay and Drayton Harbor with open saltwater on both sides. Excellent for shorebirds, waterfowl and eagles, and a strong candidate for tide-aware planning.

Saltwater shoreline
Tidal flats
Protected harbor

Shorebirds
Bald eagle
Great blue heron
Belted kingfisher
Brant
Harlequin duck
+9 more

Directions Show on map

Draft field guide. Access and coordinates drafted from public sources; verify on site before relying on them.

Photography

Best light: Morning lightEvening light
Recommended focal length: 400–600mm

In the morning, face Semiahmoo Bay (west) with the sun behind you; in the evening, face Drayton Harbor (east).
A rising tide pushes shorebirds closer to the shoreline.
Wind exposure is high; bring a beanbag or monopod for stability.

Access

Parking: Public parking at Semiahmoo Park, the county park on Semiahmoo Parkway.
Trails: Flat shoreline walking along the spit; easy with heavy gear.
Restrictions: The resort near the tip of the spit is private property.
Keep dogs leashed around shorebird flocks.

Before you go

Lens: 400–600mm. Pack spare batteries; cold drains them fast.
Review the access restrictions above and any posted closures.
Check the weather and, on the shoreline, the tide forecast.
Keep a respectful distance. If an animal changes its behavior, you're too close.

Semiahmoo Spit

A narrow spit between Semiahmoo Bay and Drayton Harbor with open saltwater on both sides. Excellent for shorebirds, waterfowl and eagles, and a strong candidate for tide-aware planning.

Saltwater shoreline

Tidal flats

Protected harbor

Shorebirds

Bald eagle

Great blue heron

Belted kingfisher

Brant

Harlequin duck

+9 more

Plan for Saturday, October 10

Date

Photography windows

Morning

75/100light & conditions

7:24 AM–9:07 AM

78% cloud
15% rain
6 mph
45°F

EveningBest

90/100light & conditions

4:47 PM–6:30 PM

0% cloud
2% rain
9 mph
55°F

Sun

First light

6:52 AM

Sunrise

7:24 AM

Morning golden hour ends

8:07 AM

Evening golden hour begins

5:47 PM

Sunset

6:30 PM

Last light

7:02 PM

Opportunities by species

Recent activity compares eBird reports with the 9 sites birded within 5 km between Sun, Oct 4 and Fri, Oct 9.

Great blue heron

Based on 4 of 4 factors

84/100 opportunity score

medium confidence

Recent activity40%82
Seasonality20%

Show 12 more species

Common loon
Based on 4 of 4 factors
76/100 opportunity score
medium confidence
- Recent activity40%67
- Seasonality20%

Times are Pacific. Generated 3:31 PM. Weather from Open-Meteo, fetched 2:35 PM. Sightings from eBird, fetched 2:35 PM.

Photography

Best light

Morning lightEvening light

Recommended focal length

400–600mm

In the morning, face Semiahmoo Bay (west) with the sun behind you; in the evening, face Drayton Harbor (east).

A rising tide pushes shorebirds closer to the shoreline.

Wind exposure is high; bring a beanbag or monopod for stability.