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

Western Flycatcher

Empidonax difficilis

4/18/2026Mouth of Crooked Creek2 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

4/16/2026Julia Butler Hansen Refuge--Headquarters1 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

4/14/2026MV 1000 Logging Road1 observed

Horned Lark

Eremophila alpestris

4/12/2026Whites Island7 observed

Eurasian x American Wigeon (hybrid)

Mareca penelope x americana

4/9/2026Julia Butler Hansen NWR1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

4/5/2026Brownsmead area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

94/17/2026

Gadwall

24/17/2026

Mallard

104/17/2026

Green-winged Teal

44/17/2026

Ring-necked Duck

44/17/2026

Greater Scaup

14/17/2026

Lesser Scaup

34/17/2026

Bufflehead

114/17/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

14/17/2026

Rufous Hummingbird

24/17/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

14/17/2026

Least Sandpiper

4/17/2026

Western Sandpiper

4/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/17/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/17/2026

Osprey

14/17/2026

Belted Kingfisher

24/17/2026

Red-breasted Sapsucker

14/17/2026

Downy Woodpecker

24/17/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

24/17/2026

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.