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

Tufted Puffin

Fratercula cirrhata

6/2/2026Smith Island5 observed

Great Egret

Ardea alba

6/2/2026Jamestown Beach1 observed

Bullock's Oriole

Icterus bullockii

6/1/2026Hood Canal--Squamish Harbor1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

5/31/2026Kah Tai Lagoon1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

5/31/2026Crockett Lake2 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

5/31/2026Point Wilson1 observed

Fox Sparrow

Passerella iliaca

5/31/2026Chimacum Creek JLT Reserve1 observed

Short-billed Gull

Larus brachyrhynchus

5/31/2026Oak Bay County Park2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

176/1/2026

Killdeer

26/1/2026

Pigeon Guillemot

16/1/2026

Belted Kingfisher

16/1/2026

American Robin

16/1/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

16/1/2026

Band-tailed Pigeon

25/31/2026

Mourning Dove

25/31/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/31/2026

Rufous Hummingbird

35/31/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

25/31/2026

Osprey

15/31/2026

Northern Flicker

15/31/2026

Western Flycatcher

15/31/2026

American Crow

15/31/2026

Common Raven

15/31/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

25/31/2026

Violet-green Swallow

25/31/2026

Barn Swallow

15/31/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

15/31/2026

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.