Calling all bird nerds, feather fanatics, and casual admirers of creatures with wings, beaks, and questionable hairdos. For the Birds takes you on a flight through Bellingham’s wonderfully bird-obsessed side, where winged wonders turn up in public art, ponds, parks, businesses and some decidedly unexpected places. It’s part bike ride, part birdwatching, part adventure, and entirely for the birds. While you might come for the birds, there’s a good chance you’ll discover a few other things along the way. Binoculars aren’t required, but they’ll come in handy for spotting the avians hiding in plain sight. Bring your curiosity, keep your eyes peeled, and prepare to get a little bird-brained. And by all means, reach out to BIKE Bellingham and let us know what birds you saw on your ride!

Your adventure takes off from Waypoint Park, then heads to the waterfront for a mural at the Trackside Bathroom in Portal Village. From there, swoop into downtown to check out the Sustenance and North State Bird Call murals before following the Whatcom Creek Trail toward Whatcom Falls Park. Be on the lookout for the Carved Owl Snags, then slow your roll for some bird watching at Derby Pond and Scudder Pond. Next, enjoy a lovely pedal along the Railroad Trail back toward town, where the Sunnyland Sawdust Collective Mural awaits. Feeling parched or peckish? Stop at Otherlands Beer to refuel before cruising a few blocks to meet the colorful Miss Velveeta Jones. Then swing by the Wild Bird Chalet to pick up a few goodies for your neighborhood two-winged friends. Continue on to the Little Bird Salon, with an optional refueling stop at Goods Local Brew, before viewing the Salmon Food Web mural. Hop onto the Bay to Baker Trail and head west toward Bellingham Bay. Ride all the way out to Little Squalicum Pier for sweeping waterfront views, then loop back through the park with binoculars at the ready. The Little Squalicum Estuary and Little Squalicum Heron Colony are prime places to pause and see who’s perching about. Finally, wing your way back toward downtown, where you can grab a treat at Raven Bakery, have a guaranteed sighting of a Heron, and explore the impressive Hall of Birds at the Whatcom Museum. Check out the colorful Open Heart, Make Peace Mural, and then make your way over to Bird Alley for some Bellingham history. Learn about inked sparrows at the Red Sparrow Tattoo Collective before a final very important stop at Mallard Ice Cream. After all, you’ve earned a little tweet treat! There’s no need to worry about eating too much, as it’s not far to where you started. You’ll be winging it home with a head full of stories, a camera roll full of birds, and hopefully a little ice cream on your beak.

Notes:

* Consider bringing binoculars so you can spot birds along the way.

* For the Birds Lite does not visit Whatcom Falls Park with the Carved Owl Snags, Derby Pond, and Scudder Pond stops.