Guided Nature Walks

Discover the wild side of the city on a guided nature walk at Seward Park Audubon Center. Each walk explores the remarkable habitats of Seward Park—from its towering old-growth forest to the shores and waters of Lake Washington—while highlighting the birds and wildlife that depend on them.

Our walks rotate with the seasons, focusing on what’s most active in the park at that time of year. In spring, we listen for returning songbirds and watch the forest come alive. Summer brings nesting birds and busy shoreline life. Fall reveals migrating species passing through, while winter offers a chance to spot waterfowl and raptors on Lake Washington.

Led by knowledgeable guides, these relaxed walks help you slow down, sharpen your observation skills, and connect more deeply with the birds, plants, and ecosystems that make Seward Park one of Seattle’s most special natural places. Whether you’re a curious beginner or an experienced birder, there’s always something new to discover.
 

Seasonal Bird Walks 

Arctic Visitors (December - March): 

Each winter, Lake Washington becomes a temporary home for birds that spend their summers breeding in the far north of Alaska and Canada. Join us for a relaxed and curious bird walk focused on these arctic visitors—from dabbling ducks and diving grebes to coots and other cold-weather travelers who arrive just as the days grow shorter.

Spring Migration Walk (April - June): 

Each spring, Seward Park becomes a lively stopover for birds traveling north along the Pacific Flyway. Join us for a relaxed and curious bird walk focused on the migrants passing through—from colorful warblers and energetic swallows to thrushes, vireos, and other travelers returning to their breeding grounds as the days grow longer. Along the way, we’ll listen for new songs, scan the treetops, and celebrate one of the most exciting seasons for birding in Seattle.

Summer Owl Prowls (July- August): 

Summer is a special time for owls in Seward Park, when young birds are beginning to venture out of the nest and learn the skills they’ll need to survive. Join us for a relaxed daytime walk as we search the forest for fledgling owls perched in the trees—often visible as they practice flying, calling, and even making their first clumsy attempts at hunting. Along the way, we’ll learn about the lives of Seward Park’s resident owls and how this season offers a rare window into their early days in the wild.

Fall Migration Walks (September - November): 

Summer is a special time for owls in Seward Park, when young birds are beginning to venture out of the nest and learn the skills they’ll need to survive. Join us for a relaxed daytime walk as we search the forest for fledgling owls perched in the trees—often visible as they practice flying, calling, and even making their first clumsy attempts at hunting. Along the way, we’ll learn about the lives of Seward Park’s resident owls and how this season offers a rare window into their early days in the wild.