Today I explored Mercer Slough by kayak for the first time. Its a
beautiful wetland water trail that is approximately 4 miles round trip from
where we launched at Enatai Beach Park, started at 8am to beat the crowds.
It took us 2.5 hours. There is also the Cascade Canoe & Kayak Center
located there for rentals. We saw and heard 32 different birds species
(see below). My favorite find was the Eastern Kingbird, my first sighting
in western WA. It was at the top of a dead tree, clear white tail tip
seen. It was just before the canoe trail loop. When we returned 30min
later it was still in the tree. Like most flycatchers, it may stay put in
the area for a bit. If you are interested in finding it, you can also walk
in to the same area by taking the Heritage Loop Trail.
Coordinates for its location: 47.592549, -122.188699
The Black-headed Grosbeak was found directly across on the other side of
the water.

Water Trails Map
https://parks.bellevuewa.gov/UserFiles/Servers/Server_
4779004/File/pdf/Parks/enatai_mercer_slough_water_trail_map.pdf

Walking Trail Map
https://parks.bellevuewa.gov/UserFiles/Servers/Server_
4779004/File/Parks%20&%20Community%20Services/Natural-Resources/Trails/
mercer-slough-nature-park-trail-map.pdf

eBird list:
30 Canada Goose
20 Wood Duck
12 Gadwall
12 Mallard
5 Great Blue Heron
1 Green Heron
1 Osprey
1 Bald Eagle
2 Caspian Tern
1 Eurasian Collared-Dove
1 Downy Woodpecker
1 Northern Flicker
3 Willow Flycatcher
1 Eastern Kingbird
2 Steller's Jay
3 American Crow
6 Tree Swallow
6 Violet-green Swallow
30 Barn Swallow
2 Black-capped Chickadee
3 Marsh Wren
3 Swainson's Thrush
25 American Robin
12 European Starling
10 Cedar Waxwing
1 Common Yellowthroat
1 Yellow Warbler
6 Song Sparrow
1 Black-headed Grosbeak -- Male
12 Red-winged Blackbird
2 Brown-headed Cowbird
4 Purple Finch

Number of Taxa: 32
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