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Bird Watching on Whidbey Island
50 miles South of the U.S./Canada border and 25 miles North of Seattle lies Whidbey Island, an incomparable destination for nature lovers and bird enthusiasts. On Whidbey, you can get lost for hours and find yourself mesmerized not only by incredible views but by a breathtaking variety of birds.
Whidbey Boasts 148 miles of winding shoreline, 6 state parks, 4 lakes, hundreds of miles of trail, and a ridiculous variety of habitats from bogs to estuaries to the prairie. It is not surprising then that Whidbey accommodates roughly 250 resident and migrant bird species.
Birdwatchers will declare some of the best times to watch for birds on Whidbey are:
Spring:
Late April through May you can expect to be woken early by the Songbirds singing a pleasant tune.
Fall:
Late July through September It is hard not to miss fat red-breasted Robins filling the apple trees and spot migrant visitors from the north like wigeons, ducks, coots, waterfowl, and red-tailed hawks.
Winter:
November through mid-March is a great time of year to watch for Northern Shrike, Bald Eagles, and other raptor-type birds.
Best places for birdwatching:
If you are just trying to take advantage of easily accessible shoreline almost any time of year works. Some of the best places to watch for shorebirds birds on Whidbey Island are Penn Cove, Keystone Landing, Fort Casey State Park, and Dugualla Bay.
If you don’t live on Whidbey and are coming just for birdwatching be sure to schedule more than one day for viewing. Plan time so you can experience multiple locations, each with its unique features. To better understand all the places you can access the shoreline you really need to buy Getting to the Waters Edge! We sell it at our Windermere offices both in Oak Harbor and Coupeville.
Frequently asked questions:
Some people wonder if there is a time of day that birds are most animated. Typically speaking most birds are bustling around sunrise and sunset but that rule does not apply to all birds. For example, the morning is typically the best time for spotting diurnal species, while nocturnal species are generally spotted in the evening, but it really depends on the bird and the time of year.
Whidbey Island is native to species like Eagles, Northern Harriers, wading birds, loons, grebes, sea ducks, including Harlequin Ducks, dabbling ducks, Black Oystercatchers, Common Yellowthroats, Marsh Wrens, and more. It is also is a temporary home for migrant birds who frequent the island seasonally for the island’s ideal breeding habitats. But do not be fooled. Some birds like robins, hawks, cardinals, finches, sparrows, and more stay here all year but they seem to “return” because they become active again during the spring through fall seasons after they have bundled down in their nests and shelters during the winter.
Additional resources:
To learn more about the birds that can be spotted on Whidbey and a guide for when you will likely catch a glimpse check out this detailed Whidbey Island Bird List created by the Whidbey Audubon Society.
Here are some of our favorite spots on Whidbey to watch for birds let us know your favorite spots in the comments below.
Staying Cool This Summer
Staying Cool This Summer
Water activities are something particularly special to Whidbey Island. After all, we are completely surrounded by water. With the sun making more and more guest appearances in the sky you can place a good bet on the expectation of increased activity on the waves. Between kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and more; Whidbey shores offer quite a bit of enjoyment for those willing to get wet.
Below are just a few water activities frequently seen here on Whidbey.
Kayaking
Kayaking is easily an island favorite when it comes to water sports. The flexibility of kayaking regardless of weather and the ability to do it alone is a HUGE plus for many. Don’t have your own Kayak? Rent one from Whidbey Island Boats and Boards where you pick the location and they deliver the kayaks and paddleboards anywhere on the island.
Tubing
Another island favorite, especially in the summer, is tubing! The wonderful thing about tubing is the community feel to it. It’s a great activity that brings people together and almost always results in a few humorous stories.
Water Skiing
Want to kick tubing up a notch? Water skiing is for you! This sport requires a bit more resilience and core strength, but once you get it down you are sure to leave the water with some epic pictures of yourself.
Paddleboarding
Paddleboarding is a slightly newer interest on the island, but well deserving of the hype. This sport is made for those who simply want to enjoy the water. Sit, stand, lay down, it doesn’t matter! Paddleboarding allows you to enjoy the sea the way you want to.
Sailing
Sailing is a Whidbey Island classic. There is a long history of sailing on Whidbey that has been passed down from generation to generation.
Boating
Another beloved activity on Whidbey is boating. Avid boaters will get out on the water any chance they get to relax atop the calm waters surrounding Whidbey. Take in the scenery, sunbathe, read a book, or play a game. All are welcomed while relaxing at sea.
Fishing
Perhaps fishing is more up your alley for a fun relaxing time. The great thing about fishing is that you can do it by boat or by land and Whidbey offers a plethora of opportunities.
Splash Pad and Lagoon at City Beach
Maybe you have littles that can’t quite participate in some of the other activities yet. Oak Harbor Windjammer park offers a family-friendly splash pad and lagoon to keep the whole family cool on these hot summer days.
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Whidbey Island Wineries & Distilleries
What is Your Go-to for Managing Stress Since the Pandemic?
For some, it might be a nice glass of wine from Vails Wine Shop in Coupeville in the evening. Perhaps calming music, a soak in a deep tub with bubbles, or a good book. But for many, it is turning to nature. While there are various ways to find peace, internal healing, and reduce the stress our bodies are managing these days, nature seems to have a way of calming our nerves and clearing our minds. This makes Whidbey Island the perfect retreat for the Zen you have been yearning for and if you are lucky to live here, it’s right out your door!
Many people find comfort along the water’s edge where they rest atop beached driftwood. Some sit on a hillside looking as far as their eyes can take them to let the bustle of their busy mind get lost in the view. Others like to stroll along West Beach while listening to the sound of the waves crashing in then receding across the pebbles. It is important to take into consideration the tide heights for these beach walks. Low tide offers the best option, but you don’t want to get caught by an incoming high tide. Check out this site to know before you go.
Many people run the trails at Ebey’s Landing. They get their hearts pumping as they persist along the cliffside hugging the edge with each step until they finally have come far enough to see the geological and ocean anomaly: Perego’s Lagoon. It is at that moment their bodies release all tension. They find themselves in awe of a view they did not think could get any better. The realization sets in that the view is a moment in time made only for them as a congratulatory nod from mother nature for making it to the top. Suddenly they have the stamina to continue and can make the journey down the hillside. You can get a pdf of the entire trail system at Ebey’s Landing here to keep you from getting lost in the maze.
Perhaps for you, a yoga mat in a grassy patch at Fort Casey is more up your alley? Your muscles relaxed, perfectly rhythmic breathing and suddenly the pose you’ve been practicing for weeks is in reach. You look out across Admiralty Inlet, you strike the perfect pose, sun rays grace your skin and suddenly you are glowing. If you feel the need for some instruction, join the South Whidbey Community for their Yoga in the Park events.
A quiet paddle in kayaks across calm waters during sunset never ceases to wash away pent-up tension in the shoulders. The open waters allow the serenity needed while the movement of your body releases endorphins to help your body relax. If you don’t have your own sea kayak you can rent one from Whidbey Island Boats and Boards.
Perhaps we can suggest something more. Find yourself becoming one with nature by enjoying a hot stone massage along Bayshore Drive in Oak Harbor. You can schedule an appointment at Bayshore Chiropractic Or, escape the worries of today where you can recall a simpler time by spending your evening at the historical Captain Whidbey Inn off of Madrona Way in Coupeville.
How do you manage stress? Here on Whidbey you can soak up the sun out on a boat, book a massage appointment, or relax with a blanket and cup of tea and soak in the sounds of nature.
Regardless of how you destress, Whidbey Island has a plethora of natural options.
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Everything You Need to Know About Riding Bikes on Whidbey Island
Everything You Need to Know About Riding Bikes on Whidbey Island
Whether you are a serious road cyclist; an avid mountain biker or just someone who enjoys a scenic bike ride every now and then, Whidbey Island has got you covered. Not only are we home to miles and miles of gorgeous; low-traffic backroads and off-road trails to explore, we also have an active biking community and bike shops that’ll keep you pedaling all year long.
And remember, safety first! You can review Washington State bicycle laws here.
Where to Road Bike on Whidbey Island
If you’re new to road biking on Whidbey Island, this bicycling map of Whidbey Island and Camano Island is an excellent resource to help you get started. This color-coded, detailed map shows cyclists what to expect on different roads, including how many feet of shoulder is available, traffic volume, recommended roads, the difficulty level of any hills,-, and other helpful markers.
Here are a few recommended road bike routes from the bike club to get you started:
North:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35094153 (20 miler from the shop, very scenic!)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35094160 (40 miler from the shop, scenic and challenging!)
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35018172 ( The bike clubs Saturday morning route)
Central:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35094197
South:
https://ridewithgps.com/routes/35094219
Where to Mountain Bike on Whidbey Island
Trailforks Mountain Biking Trails on Whidbey Island:
If you’re specifically looking for mountain bike-friendly trails, this map is a great place to start. In addition to locations and trail routes, you’ll find information on time estimates, trail conditions, distance, and climb/elevation.
Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance:
This is another useful resource if you’re searching for mountain bike trails in the Pacific Northwest in general. There are four of Whidbey Island’s mountain biking trail systems highlighted here. You’ll find detailed maps to help you explore Putney Woods/Metcalf Trust Trails, Fort Ebey State Park/Kettles Trails, Hoypus Hill, and Dugwalla State Park.
*For route recommendations and current trail conditions contact Whidbey Island Bicycle Club here.
** For parking on state park property a Discover Pass is required, you can get one here.
Bike Shops on Whidbey Island
If you’re just beginning your biking journey and need to figure out what type of bike to buy, you don’t even have to leave our island to get properly outfitted. The same is true for maintaining your bike—we’ve got experts who are ready to give your bike a tune-up when the time comes.
Skagit Cycle Center:
Skagit Cycle’s Whidbey Island location is in Oak Harbor, and this is your one-stop bike shop on Whidbey. You can buy pretty much all types of bikes here and choose from a huge selection of biking accessories and bike parts, and they also offer an extensive list of services.
Bayview Bicycles:
Located in Langley, Bayview Bicycles offers an impressive selection of e-bikes and bike gear as well as repair services.
How to Get Involved with the Bike Community on Whidbey Island
Whidbey Island Bicycle Club:
If you want to get involved in the local cycling community, meet other local cyclists, volunteer, or attend local group rides then Whidbey Island Bicycle Club, or WIBC is for you WIBC is all about bringing cyclists together to ride and plan rides, advocating for safe cycling routes, developing community cycling events, mountain bike trail stewardship, and supporting community activities that involve cycling. Riders of all levels are welcome to join. WIBC gets together for weekly road and mountain bike rides all yer long- They also have a Facebook page that is frequently updated, so make sure you hit the “like” button if you want to stay in the loop. For more detailed information about the club visit their webpage here.
Tour de Whidbey:
This popular annual summer event on Whidbey Island attracts hundreds of cyclists from all over the Puget Sound region to participate. There are several different routes you can choose from—one route is as short as 10 miles (perfect for families), and the longest route is 162 miles and winds its way around the entire perimeter of Whidbey Island. Tour de Whidbey was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19, but plans for the 2021 Tour de Whidbey are underway. Find out more here.
Mussels in the Kettles:
This non-competitive mountain bike ride is held annually in conjunction with the Mussel Fest in Coupeville, WA. There are three routes to choose from in varying levels of difficulty that cover most of the Fort Ebey/Kettles trails network. For up-to-date information on the ride, click here, and for the Musselfest click here.
Searching for more fun activities on Whidbey Island? You can continue exploring our community blog here!
Preparing to List in the Whidbey Island Real Estate Market Right Now
Today’s housing market is full of exceptional opportunities for sellers. The large buyer demand combined with record-low housing inventory has created an optimal sellers’ market. This means that it can be a great time to sell your house if you are thinking about selling. However, one misconception is that sellers are guaranteed success no matter what. We are here to remind you, that is not always the case and to help set you up for the best possible success with some key points so you can avoid costly mistakes and win big when you make the move.
Price Your Property Right
It is a common misconception to think buyers will pay whatever we ask. This can be hard to imagine when the inventory is low like it is and we see homes sell well over listing price time and time again. However, even in a sellers’ market, it is of the utmost importance to list your house for the right price. Why? Because it will maximize the number of buyers that see your house. Listing above market value means that true target buyers may not ever see your property because it is listed out of their price range. Listing in the market value creates the best environment for bidding wars, which in turn is more likely to increase the final sale price meaning more money in your pocket. In fact, as of this writing, there are 10 homes just in North Whidbey that have been on the market for 11- 41 days which is a strong indication of being overpriced. This is only one of several examples of why it is important to price your property right the first time. To receive an in-depth look at the dangers of pricing above market value sign up here. A real estate professional is the best person to help you set the best price for your house so you can achieve your financial goals. Click here to get connected.
Keep Emotions in Check
Today, homeowners are living in their homes longer than they have in the past. Looking at the chart below you can see that the average time a homeowner owned their home has doubled from 5 years in 1985 to 10 years now.
It only makes sense that as time in a home increases the emotional attachment to the home also grows. If it is the first home you purchased or it is the house where your children grew up, it is possible that it is extra special to you. Every room has memories. It is difficult to separate rational decision-making from that sentimental value and can take time to process.
For some homeowners, that connection makes it harder to differentiate the emotional value of the house from the fair market price. It is important to have a non-bias real estate professional help you along with setting the listing price and through the negotiations. We are here to help you.
Stage Properly
When we walk into our friends’ homes, we are often greeted by their children’s trophies, their accomplishments, newest toys, and probably a pile of mail on the counter they did not quite get to before we arrived. For the most part, we are all quite proud of our home décor and the things we have done to customize our homes to be fitting for our lifestyles and want to show it off. However, not all buyers feel the same way about your design and personal touches as you do. It is in your best interest to present your home in a way that a buyer can imagine themselves living there. That is why it is so important to make sure you stage your home with the potential buyer in mind.
Buyers want to envision themselves in the space so it truly feels like it could be their own. They need to see themselves inside with their furniture and keepsakes – not your pictures and decorations. Stage, clean, and declutter so they can visualize their own dreams as they walk through each room. A real estate professional can help you to get your home ready, stage it, and sell for top dollar.
At the End of the Day
Today’s sellers’ market might be your best chance to make your move. If you are considering selling your home, let’s connect today so you have the expert guidance you need to navigate through the process and prioritize these key elements.
Searching to learn more about Whidbey Island? You can continue exploring our community blog here!
10 Questions you should ask a builder when interviewing them for your custom home build
- What kind of homes do you really love to build?
- Can you help me with my feasibility study as I look for a lot?
- How long are permits taking?
- How long does it take to build a new home right now and when could we break ground?
- Can I get a list of recent references from past clients and may I contact them to view their homes?
- How long have you been building on Whidbey?
- What construction loan lender(s) do you have a relationship with (use one of these for the vacant land loan).
- If waterfront – are you experienced with the Shoreline Management Act of Washington State?
- I want to do part of the construction myself (e.g. Painting), would you be OK with that?
- What type of warranties do you provide?
Your vacant land specialist representing you can help you with these questions and can make recommendations on the best builder for your specific project. Don’t have representation yet? Give Clay a call today to see if he is a good fit!
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Buying Vacant Land on Whidbey Island
5 Most Affordable Neighborhoods Near Oak Harbor & NAS Whidbey
Watching today’s housing market is like reliving a supply and demand lesson straight out of your High School Macroeconomics class. Home prices continue to rise due to the sheer lack of homes for sale on Whidbey Island. Especially in the lower price points $400,000 and below.
Here are 5 of the most affordable neighborhoods within 10 miles of downtown Oak Harbor and NAS Whidbey.
#1 City of Oak Harbor:
Median Price Point as of this post = $318,000 (15.6% increase from last year). Because Oak Harbor has been developed over the decades by various builders at different rates there are a lot of little neighborhoods. The most affordable area can be found in the middle of the City, on the East side between Highway 20 and SE Regatta Dr. Most homes in this area are from the 1950s in developments like Patton’s Pasture & Shady Oaks.
Design by Windermere Whidbey Island
#2 Rolling Hills:
Median Price Point as of this post = $338,500 (16.9% increase from last year). Located between Oak Harbor and Coupeville Rolling Hills was incorporated in 1961 but you will find a broad range of homes built across the decades. There are many manufactured homes, a few mobile homes and lots of stick built. One of the unique features of this community for Whidbey Island is their Community facilities which includes a pool, clubhouse, basketball court, baseball field, picnic shelter, and even some waterfront with a private pier. Water is managed by the community. All the homes are on septic systems, some with a community drain field.
Want to learn more about Rolling Hills? Click here.
Median Sales Price for Rolling Hills by Windermere Whidbey Island
#3 Penn Cove Park:
Median Price Point as of this post = $348,500 (12.2% increase from last year). Although Penn Cove Park now connects to Cove View Circle, has several water view homes, and has a new construction project going on nearby we are going to focus on the original homes built for this neighborhood that don’t have water views, because this is the more affordable area. Homes were built mostly between 1950-1980, all are 1-story. All are connected to a very rare, combined sewage treatment plant (not on septic) managed by Penn Cove Water & Sewer. This best part of this neighborhood is the location. One of the most enjoyable beaches with a low slope and sandy areas and public boat launches is right at the end of Monroe Landing. You can look across Penn Cove and enjoy views of the seaside Town of Coupeville and its iconic wharf. Conveniently located between Oak Harbor and Coupeville you have access to two very different types of commerce and can petition to be in either school district.
Median Sales Price for Penn Cove by Windermere Whidbey Island
#4 Northgate Terrace:
Median Price Point as of this post = $295,000 (15.8% increase from last year). Most of this community was first developed in the late 70’s. It is a mix of manufactured and smaller stick-built homes. There is a homeowner’s association, water is managed as a community by King water and there is a community clubhouse you can rent for gatherings. It is conveniently located right off of Highway 20 between the City of Oak Harbor and Deception Pass Bridge. More information can be found on their community web site here.
Median Sales Price for Northgate Terrace by Windermere Whidbey Island
#5 Deception Park View:
It may be a tiny little neighborhood but it’s a delight and as you can see from their website they really care about their little community. It has a very active Homeowners Association. You can learn all about their recent efforts to create a Community Recreation Area in the neighborhood on their website here.
Median Sales Price for Deception Park by Windermere Whidbey Island
Coupeville Wharf
Several small wharfs once reached into Penn Cove only able to be used during very high tide. In 1905 the Coupeville Wharf was built, extending 500 feet to accommodate the increase in commerce due to the activation of Fort Casey. Often referred to as the “Old Grain Wharf”, had an important job to do. It was the key to the distribution and storage of grain grown on our local farms, as well as, bringing goods to the island.
Today, the wharf is home to a gift shop, restaurant, coffee shop, restrooms, naturalist display, kayak rentals, and more! It can be a long 500-foot walk to the end, but chances are high of seeing an eagle, fish, jellyfish, sea star, or sea anemones in addition to beautiful water and mountain views. Kayakers and boaters love making a stop at the Coupeville Wharf. It is a picturesque icon and hopefully, it will stay that way for another 100+ years!
Check out the rest of Whidbey’s beautiful destinations from this series here.
Freeland Park
Did you know Freeland got its name in the early 1900s from an attempted commune by a company called the Free Land Association? In 1920, they went bankrupt, but the name stuck!
Today, it’s a bustling little community at the head of Holmes Harbor where you can find amazing places like the Freeland Park (pictured above), which is a favorite for hosting summer BBQs. There is an abundance of picnic tables, covered areas, BBQ pits, and restrooms. There is a fantastic playground and jungle gym for kids with a large grassy area. To top it all off there is a beach where you can find all sorts of treasures, soak up the sun, jump in the water or relax on your boat.
Freeland Park also hosts one of the best fireworks shows on Whidbey Island! Be sure to put the annual July 3rd show on your calendar – you won’t want to miss it! Don’t forget to bring your blankets, chairs and picnic basket. Come early to stake out a spot! If you haven’t explored this part of your island I encourage you to do so!
Check out the rest of Whidbey’s beautiful destinations from this series here.
Welcome to Whidbey
Each month we release a new beautiful image of Whidbey Island. We mail these gorgeous photos in conjunction with interesting tidbits and little-known facts about each image or location to our clients, friends, and family. Follow along. Don’t want to miss out? Subscribe below for updates or become part of the family and receive your very own postcard once a month by emailing us the words “Welcome to Whidbey” along with your address to WhidbeyCommunications@Windermere.com to receive your very own copies.
Check out our collection here.
