Preserving and restoring a wildlife paradise

Below the Pacific Flyway, tucked into the western shore of central Whidbey Island, lies Crockett Lake Wetland Preserve, one of the most important birding areas in Washington state. Every year, more than 230 species of birds breed, nest, feed and rest here — from shorebirds that blanket the lake and fill the sky in spring and fall, to ducks that overwinter in the shallow marshes and mudflats to raptors in search of an easy meal. Halfway across the lake, the pilings of an old bridge jut out of the water, a sign of the community that has lived, worked and played in this vibrant area for so many years.

“The mixture of marsh, open water, grasslands, and mudflats is rich with the kinds of small invertebrates that are eagerly fed upon by a variety of birdlife. As a result, Crockett Lake attracts many birds throughout the year and is one of the most productive birding areas in the Puget Sound lowland.” – Audubon Society

Enjoy our story map experience at full size.