A small bird perched on top of a tree branch

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

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

7/21/2026Olympia--4th Ave Bridge2 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

7/20/2026Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

7/18/2026Kennedy Creek Salmon Trail1 observed

Short-billed Gull

Larus brachyrhynchus

7/18/2026Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR2 observed

White-breasted Nuthatch (Pacific)

Sitta carolinensis

7/18/2026JBLM--The Weirs (restricted access)1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

7/16/2026Chambers Creek Regional Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Semipalmated Plover

87/21/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

17/21/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

57/21/2026

Least Sandpiper

127/21/2026

Mallard

17/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

27/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

47/21/2026

Willow Flycatcher

17/21/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

17/21/2026

Barn Swallow

17/21/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/21/2026

Wood Duck

27/21/2026

Virginia Rail

17/21/2026

Killdeer

17/21/2026

Ring-billed Gull

27/21/2026

Northern Harrier

17/21/2026

European Starling

57/21/2026

Swainson's Thrush

27/21/2026

American Robin

87/21/2026

American Goldfinch

27/21/2026

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.