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

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

6/2/2026Hoquiam STP2 observed

Lazuli Bunting

Passerina amoena

6/2/2026Tokeland1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

6/2/2026Midway Beach1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

6/2/2026Hoquiam STP1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose (Western)

Anser albifrons

6/2/2026Hoquiam STP2 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

5/28/2026Grays Harbor NWR (Bowerman Basin)2 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

5/26/2026Tokeland -- Graveyard Spit/Fisher Ave1 observed

Bar-tailed Godwit

Limosa lapponica

5/24/2026Bottle Beach State Park2 observed

Pacific Golden-Plover

Pluvialis fulva

5/24/2026Tokeland--marina1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

5/24/2026Tokeland -- Graveyard Spit/Fisher Ave1 observed

Manx Shearwater

Puffinus puffinus

5/24/2026Westport pelagic--inshore1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Greater White-fronted Goose

25/28/2026

Canada Goose

955/28/2026

Gadwall

355/28/2026

Mallard

425/28/2026

Black-bellied Plover

35/28/2026

Semipalmated Plover

45/28/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

75/28/2026

Red-necked Phalarope

45/28/2026

Dunlin

65/28/2026

Western Sandpiper

25/28/2026

Ring-billed Gull

55/28/2026

Caspian Tern

95/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

125/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

85/28/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/28/2026

Western Flycatcher

15/28/2026

Western Warbling Vireo

15/28/2026

American Crow

35/28/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

25/28/2026

Tree Swallow

65/28/2026

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.