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

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

6/3/2026Leslie Groves South Bathroom8 observed

Anna's Hummingbird

Calypte anna

6/1/2026Ivy Glades, Pasco1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

6/1/2026McNary NWR--Headquarters/Quail Trail2 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

6/1/2026Clover Island1 observed

Hairy Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus villosus

6/1/2026Sacajawea Historical SP2 observed

Spotted Towhee

Pipilo maculatus

6/1/2026Horn Rapids County Park1 observed

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

5/30/2026Horn Rapids County Park1 observed

Black-throated Sparrow

Amphispiza bilineata

5/28/2026PUMP HOUSE ROAD ALE (Restricted)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

86/1/2026

Mallard

36/1/2026

Northern Pintail

16/1/2026

California Quail

16/1/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

36/1/2026

Killdeer

26/1/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

16/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

66/1/2026

California Gull

126/1/2026

Western Grebe

16/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

16/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

36/1/2026

American White Pelican

106/1/2026

Western Warbling Vireo

16/1/2026

American Crow

46/1/2026

Tree Swallow

16/1/2026

Bewick's Wren

46/1/2026

European Starling

36/1/2026

Gray Catbird

36/1/2026

American Robin

16/1/2026

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.