San Juan is an incredible place for birding. Rich marine waters provide abundant food for wintering marine birds, from loons to sea ducks and alcids. The many bays and channels provide protection during poor weather. Migratory birds island-hop through the San Juans to and from Vancouver Island during the spring and fall.

There are 290 different species that call the San Juans home. They include seabirds, migrating marine birds, shorebirds and birds of prey. On your travels around the island you can spot great blue herons, oyster catchers, trumpeter swans, peregrine falcons, ospreys, and bald eagles. There are 89 nesting pairs of bald eagles in San Juan County, more than there are in any other county in the state. Washington has more bald eagles than any of the other lower 48 states. The islands also have the highest concentration of nesting Peregrine Falcons in the state, and Golden Eagles are known to nest here. Short-eared Owls and Northern Shrikes winter in the short grasses. Low rainfall allows oak woodlands to exist and host House Wrens and, at one time, Mountain Bluebirds.

The San Juan islands are the winter home for a number of northern species including the Trumpeter Swan and Rough-legged Hawk - species you would have to go to the Arctic Circle to see in spring. One of the best viewing areas on the island is American Camp.

The San Juan Islands Audubon Society meet monthly to take bird walks on different islands serviced daily by the Washington State Ferry system. A schedule of their bird walks is listed on the website. A private "birding tour" on the island can also be arranged with birding expert and author of Birds of the Northwest Barbara Jensen.

Westcott Bay Reserve Sculpture Park is a 19 acre nature reserve displaying over 120 rotating sculptures. There are lots of great trails wind with excellent bird-watching opportunities.