EBEY'S LANDING National Historical Reserve NATURALIST'S GUIDE Spring and Summer (PDF version)

WELCOME TO EBEY'S LANDING! Each spring and summer, Whidbey Island erupts with seasonal color and sound. Flowering shrubs bloom in open prairies, among beach grasses, and along saltwater marshes. As a prime location on the Pacific Flyway, Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve attracts many migratory species of shorebirds and waterfowl in search of food and shelter. Gray whales pass by en route to the Bering Sea. And you may even spot an elusive river otter or a harbor seal. Ample sunshine and cool breezes of Admiralty Inlet create ideal conditions for strolling, birdwatching, and other naturalist activities. To identify specific plants and wildlife in the reserve, use this brochure with one or more of the recommended field guides. WILDLIFE HABITATS Within the reserve boundaries, you can experience four distinct wildlife habitats — delineated on the map. Each area supports different vegetation, and thus attracts various populations of birds and mammals. All species are commonly seen spring (March-May) and summer (June-August), unless otherwise noted. Both native and non-native plants grow throughout Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve. The native species, generally bloom early in the spring. As summer progresses, more non-native species tend to dominate. Plants marked with (N) are native species. BIRD-WATCHING TIPS Move slowly and quietly. Best viewing times:   First and last hours of daylight   Right after a storm Use binoculars and field guides. Use tide tables; some migratory waterfowl feed on tide cycles. Please don't feed the wildlife. PLEASE STAY ON THE TRAILS! Unlike most national parks, about 90 percent of the reserve lies on private land. Please respect the property rights of private landowners by staying on designated trails, and keeping dogs on leash. PLEASE DON'T PICK THE PLANTS! If you want to grow some of the native species found on the reserve, a local chapter of the Washington Native Plant Society can help you find a responsible source, http://www.wnps.org/salal/ RECOMMENDED FIELD GUIDES A Field Guide to Western Birds by Roger T. Peterson, 1990 (ISBN: 0395911737) National Geographic Field Guide to the Birds of North America by Jon L. Dunn, Third Edition, 1999 (ISBN: 0792274512) Plants of the Pacific Northwest by Jim Pojar and Andy MacKinnon, 1994 (ISBN: 1551050404) To go birdwatching at Ebey's Landing NHR with the National Audubon Society, contact the Whidbey Chapter, (360)678-2264, (360)678-3161.