North Cascades National Park Photo Gallery

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The very things that make the Seattle area so pleasing to the eye — the intermingling of snow-capped mountains with the seascape of Puget Sound and a series of lush river valleys — also make it a marvelous area for birding. A visitor here can pass through habitats that range from tidal marsh and rocky islets to brushy fields and agricultural lands, all the way up into coniferous and broadleaf forests and even alpine meadows. The range of bird species is equally diverse. With a little advance planning and an early start, it's certainly possible to bird these and other natural communities all in one long day.

But really, one shouldn't rush. Seattle is a big city with a relaxed, low-pressure demeanor. There are birding opportunities throughout the year, and the region's mild climate makes a trip worthwhile during any season.