Wetland birding habitat

William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge

Oregon · West

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

March-May, September-November

About This Location

William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Oregon, with 261 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts American Wigeon, Mallard, and Lesser Scaup among many others. The diverse terrain supports both resident specialties and Pacific Flyway migrants throughout the year.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Mountain Bluebird

Sialia currucoides

7/12/2026At NaiNai’s1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

7/12/2026Hyslop wheat field1 observed

Snowy Owl

Bubo scandiacus

7/12/2026School1 observed

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

7/11/2026William L. Finley NWR--Cabell Marsh Gazebo1 observed

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

7/10/2026Corvallis Base1 observed

Costa's Hummingbird

Calypte costae

7/10/2026Corvallis Base1 observed

Red Crossbill (Douglas-fir or type 4)

Loxia curvirostra

7/8/2026Greenbriar feeder3 observed

Black-necked Stilt

Himantopus mexicanus

7/8/2026William L. Finley NWR--McFadden Marsh1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

7/7/2026Marys Peak--West point1 observed

Mallard x Northern Pintail (hybrid)

Anas platyrhynchos x acuta

7/6/20261646 Southeast Crystal Lake Drive, Corvallis, Oregon, US (44.55, -123.257)1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

7/3/2026Grass Mountain (Lincoln Co.)3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

207/12/2026

Hooded Merganser

27/12/2026

California Quail

117/12/2026

Wild Turkey

37/12/2026

Band-tailed Pigeon

47/12/2026

Mourning Dove

17/12/2026

American Coot

27/12/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

67/12/2026

Great Egret

27/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/12/2026

Turkey Vulture

57/12/2026

Belted Kingfisher

27/12/2026

Northern Flicker

17/12/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

17/12/2026

Hutton's Vireo

17/12/2026

California Scrub-Jay

27/12/2026

American Crow

27/12/2026

Common Raven

27/12/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

37/12/2026

Barn Swallow

17/12/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Early mornings provide the best light and bird activity along the coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge for birding are March-May, September-November. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge include American Wigeon, Mallard, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge?
William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.