Location: Whatcom County.

Habitat: A 100-acre preserve with grassy banks by braided channels of Nooksack River, and wetland sloughs lined by alders and cedars.

Best season for birding: Good year-round; December for bald eagles.

Birds commonly seen: Many bald eagles gather here in winter to feed on salmon carcasses. In spring, look for spotted sandpipers, yellow-rumped warblers and harlequin ducks. Spotted towhees, bushtits, American dippers, Steller's jays, dark-eyed juncos, house finches and evening grosbeaks are seen anytime.

Viewing: Paths at river's edge provide good viewing in December of eagles feeding on spawned-out salmon.

Side trip: Mount Baker Vineyards winery is nearby, with tasting room open 11 a.m.-5 p.m. daily, 4298 Mount Baker Highway, 360-592-2300.

Getting there: From Interstate 5 at Burlington, take Highway 20 east. At Milepost 66 in Sedro-Woolley, turn north onto Highway 9. Drive 21.6 miles. Turn right (east) at Highway 9 Milepost 79.3 onto Mount Baker Highway (Highway 542). Drive 0.4 mile. Turn right (southeast) onto Truck Road. Drive 0.6 mile to the park.

Source: Audubon Washington. For free maps of Washington birding sites, call 866-922-4737 and ask for Great Washington State Birding Trail maps ("Cascade Loop" or "Coulee Corridor"), or request online at www.wa.audubon.org.