Coastal birding habitat

Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and Mallard 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

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreus

4/15/2026Ocean Shores--SR 115 Beach Access1 observed

Lapland Longspur

Calcarius lapponicus

4/15/2026Ocean Shores STP2 observed

Heermann's Gull

Larus heermanni

4/15/2026Midway Beach1 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

4/13/2026Burrows Road1 observed

White-tailed Kite

Elanus leucurus

4/12/2026Johns River Wildlife Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

164/16/2026

Killdeer

14/16/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

14/16/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/16/2026

American Crow

14/16/2026

Tree Swallow

34/16/2026

Violet-green Swallow

54/16/2026

Barn Swallow

54/16/2026

Marsh Wren

24/16/2026

European Starling

14/16/2026

American Robin

14/16/2026

American Goldfinch

14/16/2026

Savannah Sparrow

14/16/2026

Song Sparrow

14/16/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

24/16/2026

Greater White-fronted Goose

244/15/2026

Northern Shoveler

1254/15/2026

Gadwall

904/15/2026

American Wigeon

204/15/2026

Mallard

304/15/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge include Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Common Goldeneye, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge?
Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.