green pine trees near lake during daytime

Gardiner Beach

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily

About This Location

Gardiner Beach is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 215 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, Gadwall, and American Wigeon 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

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

7/21/2026Kah Tai Lagoon2 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

7/21/2026Nature Conservancy Foulweather Bluff Preserve2 observed

Tufted Puffin

Fratercula cirrhata

7/19/2026Smith Island

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

7/19/2026Three Crabs1 observed

Horned Puffin

Fratercula corniculata

7/18/2026Smith Island1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

37/14/2026

Hooded Merganser

47/14/2026

Killdeer

27/14/2026

Least Sandpiper

37/14/2026

Pigeon Guillemot

37/14/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/14/2026

Belted Kingfisher

37/14/2026

American Crow

27/14/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

17/14/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

17/14/2026

Barn Swallow

17/14/2026

Cedar Waxwing

37/14/2026

Pine Siskin

17/14/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

27/14/2026

Song Sparrow

17/14/2026

Common Yellowthroat

17/14/2026

Steller's Jay

17/13/2026

Violet-green Swallow

17/13/2026

American Robin

27/13/2026

American Goldfinch

17/13/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Gardiner Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Gardiner Beach for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Gardiner Beach?
Notable species at Gardiner Beach include Canada Goose, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard, Surf Scoter, American Kestrel, Long-tailed Duck, Red-breasted Merganser, Killdeer, Rhinoceros Auklet, Marbled Murrelet, Pigeon Guillemot. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Gardiner Beach?
Birding at Gardiner Beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Gardiner Beach?
There is no entrance fee at Gardiner Beach. Hours: Open daily.
What amenities are available at Gardiner Beach?
Gardiner Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.