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 17

Date

Photography windows

Morning

58/100light & conditions

7:35 AM–9:18 AM

100% cloud
35% rain
9 mph
54°F

EveningBest

81/100light & conditions

4:33 PM–6:16 PM

9% cloud
29% rain
12 mph
57°F

Sun

First light

7:03 AM

Sunrise

7:35 AM

Morning golden hour ends

8:18 AM

Evening golden hour begins

5:33 PM

Sunset

6:16 PM

Last light

6:48 PM

Opportunities by species

Recent activity compares eBird reports with the 12 sites birded within 5 km between Wed, Oct 7 and Sun, Oct 11.

Double-crested cormorant

Based on 4 of 4 factors

76/100 opportunity score

high confidence

Recent activity40%71
Seasonality20%

Show 12 more species

Bald eagle
Based on 4 of 4 factors
70/100 opportunity score
high confidence
- Recent activity40%58
- Seasonality20%

Times are Pacific. Generated 3:57 PM. Weather from Open-Meteo, fetched 3:56 PM. Sightings from eBird, fetched 3:02 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.