Coastal birding habitat

Leslie Groves Park/Nelson Island

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
CoastalUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Leslie Groves Park/Nelson Island is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 200 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and urban park habitat attracts American Wigeon, Western Screech-Owl, and Canada Goose 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

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

7/21/2026Home3 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

7/21/2026Pasco home1 observed

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

7/20/2026Horn Rapids County Park3 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

7/20/2026Yakima River Delta1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

7/19/2026McNary NWR--Headquarters/Quail Trail2 observed

Pine Siskin (Northern)

Spinus pinus

7/17/20262253 Davison Ave. Richland, WA1 observed

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

7/16/2026Richland Bend Habitat Management Unit1 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

7/16/2026Memorial Park, Pasco US-WA 46.23117, -119.107951 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

7/15/202610112 W Maple Dr, Pasco US-WA (46.2625,-119.2240)4 observed

Anna's Hummingbird

Calypte anna

7/15/2026Ivy Glades, Pasco1 observed

Spotted Towhee

Pipilo maculatus

7/14/2026Horn Rapids County Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

97/20/2026

Mourning Dove

17/20/2026

Ring-billed Gull

147/20/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

37/20/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/20/2026

American White Pelican

57/20/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/20/2026

American Crow

17/20/2026

Song Sparrow

17/20/2026

California Gull

107/16/2026

Great Egret

17/16/2026

Osprey

17/16/2026

Cliff Swallow

77/16/2026

Bewick's Wren

17/16/2026

American Robin

17/16/2026

House Finch

27/16/2026

American Goldfinch

37/16/2026

Lazuli Bunting

17/16/2026

Canada Goose

507/16/2026

Black-chinned Hummingbird

17/16/2026

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 Leslie Groves Park/Nelson Island for birding?
The best months to visit Leslie Groves Park/Nelson Island for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Leslie Groves Park/Nelson Island?
Notable species at Leslie Groves Park/Nelson Island include American Wigeon, Western Screech-Owl, Canada Goose, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye. The area supports coastal, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Leslie Groves Park/Nelson Island?
Birding at Leslie Groves Park/Nelson Island is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Leslie Groves Park/Nelson Island?
Leslie Groves Park/Nelson Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.