Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

$3 per vehicle

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 271 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, and Northern Shoveler among many others. Coastal and forest habitats support impressive year-round resident species and seasonal migrants.

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

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

3/6/2026Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR--Twin Barns Loop1 observed

Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

3/5/2026Titlow Park & Beach1 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

3/5/2026Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

3/4/2026Mountain View Cemetery Marsh1 observed

Barn Swallow

Hirundo rustica

3/4/2026Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR1 observed

Green-winged Teal (Eurasian)

Anas crecca

3/4/2026Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Shoveler

503/6/2026

Gadwall

133/6/2026

American Wigeon

1003/6/2026

Mallard

23/6/2026

Northern Pintail

133/6/2026

Green-winged Teal

73/6/2026

Bufflehead

403/6/2026

Hooded Merganser

13/6/2026

American Coot

43/6/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

23/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

23/6/2026

Northern Flicker

13/6/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

63/6/2026

Violet-green Swallow

83/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

43/6/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

63/6/2026

Ring-necked Duck

23/6/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/6/2026

Song Sparrow

13/6/2026

Canada Goose

13/6/2026

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

    Pack rain gear — the best birding often coincides with drizzly conditions.

  4. 4

    Stop at the visitor center for current bird sighting reports and trail maps.

  5. 5

    Check the refuge website for seasonal road and trail closures before visiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Steller's Jay, American Crow, Golden-crowned Kinglet, American Robin, Dark-eyed Junco, Anna's Hummingbird, Northern Flicker. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge?
The entrance fee at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is $3 per vehicle. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge?
Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.