Monday, November 10, 2025
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One of the best birding places within an easy day trip driving distance from Thurston County is Tokeland, a peninsula jutting into the northern margin of Willapa Bay. It’s well worth a visit anytime in the fall or winter, but right now there is a special reason — two rare avian visitors.
Godwits are big wading birds, long-billed and long-legged. There are only four godwit species in the world and right now (or at least last weekend), three of these four species are to be found near the marina at the end of the Tokeland peninsula. (The name godwit, incidentally is traced to the 15th century and is an imitation of the birds’ vocalization).
All the godwits share similar features. First, their body is large — crow-sized — and they have very long legs and long sword-like bills that are slightly upturned. These two-toned bills are nearly three times longer than the birds’ heads and are very distinctive.
The most common wintering godwits on the Washington coast are marbled godwits, and their largest concentration is at Tokeland. These are the largest of the godwits, a size difference that is noticeable only when the other godwit species are nearby. In their breeding plumage they have a rusty wash and some of the Tokeland birds will still have some of these rust-colored feathers and underwings. Their backs are barred brown and white.
Almost all the godwits at Tokeland are marbled; of the other two species, one is rare and one very rare. Bar-tailed godwits are found in small numbers each fall along the Washington coast. As of last weekend, there were five individuals of this species at Tokeland.
Scan the godwit flock looking for birds that are somewhat smaller and lighter in overall color. Once you spot one, you might also note that they have a distinctive white stripe over the eye. In flight, their underwings are plain (not black) and their tails have a fine brown barring (see Liam’s photograph).
The single Hudsonian godwit reported at Tokeland is like the bar-tailed ones in size and color, but has three distinctive features. It has black tail feathers and, during flight, visible black underwings and a white rump patch. Finding this one bird within the godwit flock could be a challenge. But, if you are there at a higher tide stage when the godwits are gathered near the marina, and if you persist, you might have a three-godwit day!
Tokeland is located on Tokeland Road, a spur off Highway 105. This is also the road to the Shoalwater Indian Reservation. Rather than give you further directions, just consult your smartphone for directions. I prefer joining Highway 105 in Aberdeen and driving to Tokeland via Westport.
Once you reach the Tokeland Road, continue for another 1.7 miles. This is basically the end of the road — you cannot get lost. The road turns left on 7th Avenue and eventually reaches the vicinity of the Tokeland Marina. Find a parking place and walk from here.
At mid tide to high tide there likely will be numerous shorebirds all around. There are grassy and sandy habitat areas and breakwater rocks as well. These are prime places to see godwits and other shorebirds, including long-billed curlews.
Perhaps the best preparation is to study the shorebird section of your bird book so that you are ready. Most important: consult the tide table — you want to be there at higher tides!
The Tokeland peninsula is also a site that attracts migrants for songbirds that have veered off their usual migration route. Each year a few unexpected birds are found here.
So, it might be interesting to look at those odd single birds that are hopping around looking lost. And, before your visit, you might check the Washington Rare Bird Alert) to see what birds are being reported from Tokeland.
Tokeland is an outstanding birding location throughout the winter, so don’t be discouraged if you cannot get there in the next few weeks. You are almost certain to find godwits and curlews there for the next few months, with the possible exception of very low tides when they might be too far out in the bay for easy identification.
There are several other interesting places you can visit on your way to Tokeland. By following Highway 105 south of Westport, it’s possible to drive for some distance on the beach. There are multiple beach access points. You probably will spot sanderlings following the waves and at times there are a wide variety of other shorebirds on the beach.
Where Highway 105 turns east and away from the ocean, there is an interesting area that is still called Washaway Beach, though it’s been restored and is no longer washing away. For several decades the beach and bluffs (and homes, and the old highway) were falling into the ocean. It’s an interesting site and could be birdy as well.
George Walter is environmental program manager at the Nisqually Indian Tribe’s natural resources department; he also has a 45+ year interest in bird watching. He may be reached at george@theJOLTnews.com
Photos for this column are provided by Liam Hutcheson, an 18-year-old Olympia area birder and avid photographer.
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