Wetland birding habitat

Julia Butler Hansen National Wildlife Refuge

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Julia Butler Hansen National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 205 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

Green Heron

Butorides virescens

5/25/2026277 W State Rte 4, Cathlamet US-WA (46.2167,-123.3910)1 observed

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

5/24/2026Longview Sewage Ponds1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

5/24/2026Brownsmead area1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

5/23/2026Risk Creek Valley logging road complex from 47–59 Risk Rd, Cathlamet US-WA 46.25129, -123.396791 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

5/23/2026Puget Island Welcome Slough Rd. 5 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

5/23/2026Puget Island10 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gadwall

25/30/2026

Band-tailed Pigeon

15/30/2026

Rufous Hummingbird

25/30/2026

Virginia Rail

15/30/2026

Killdeer

15/30/2026

California Gull

35/30/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

15/30/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

15/30/2026

Great Blue Heron

35/30/2026

American White Pelican

155/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

105/30/2026

Osprey

15/30/2026

Bald Eagle

75/30/2026

Olive-sided Flycatcher

15/30/2026

Willow Flycatcher

15/30/2026

Western Flycatcher

15/30/2026

Black Phoebe

25/30/2026

Western Warbling Vireo

15/30/2026

Steller's Jay

15/30/2026

American Crow

35/30/2026

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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