The “Fill” in summer and early spring
Is it possible to enjoy good bird and wildlife-watching, great scenery, and even fragrant smells (not the bad kind), at a former city dump? The answer is an emphatic yes! Where? Union Bay Natural Area in Seattle, aka Montlake Fill.
Today was a glorious spring day at the “Fill.” Mt. Rainier loomed in the distance across Lake Washington. Tree Swallows perched and entered their nesting holes after their long journey from parts south. A Bald Eagle pair harassed the coots en route to their massive nest. Virginia Rails oinked and Ka-dinked; marsh wrens chattered noisily; and scores of Red-Slider Turtles basked on logs in the 60-degree weather. Black Cottonwood Trees emitted their intoxicating sweet aroma, one of the finest smells in nature.
This place was not always so nice. It was a city landfill until 1971 when it was capped and later became neglected, allowing a host of invasive plants to take over. Since the 1990s, the University of Washington and the Center for Urban Horticulture have used the site for restoration ecology. The results of their combined efforts are spectacular. Over 200 species of birds now visit the “Fill” each year. It is rated one of the top birding destinations in Seattle, recently included on Audubon’s new Puget Loop birding trail. In just a few hours today, I tallied 40 species there. Native vegetation continues to be planted there while invasive species are removed by dedicated university students and volunteers. The habitat keeps improving.
The natural diversity here is very impressive for such an urban and previously compromised place. Located three miles from downtown Seattle, this 74-acre refuge is adjacent to the University of Washington and its two sports stadiums just across the water. Sometimes you hear the roar of the crowd and the marching bands playing at the Husky Football Stadium. At the same time, you could also see a Red-tailed Hawk capturing a vole while the band is playing. I have.
This strange but wonderful refuge is a model for other similarly degraded sites. If you would like to go on a birding tour of the Union Bay Natural Area, please join me on one of my “Fill the time with Birds” walks https://conservationcatalyst.org/walking.html
