Wetland birding habitat

McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters/Quail Trail

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters/Quail Trail is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 231 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, 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

Iceland Gull (Thayer's)

Larus glaucoides

4/17/2026Columbia Park1 observed

Anna's Hummingbird

Calypte anna

4/17/2026Richland Bend Habitat Management Unit1 observed

American Redstart

Setophaga ruticilla

4/16/2026Sacajawea Historical SP2 observed

Hairy Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus villosus

4/16/2026Sacajawea Historical SP1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

4/15/2026Clover Island1 observed

Marsh Wren (plesius Group)

Cistothorus palustris

4/13/2026McNary NWR--Headquarters/Quail Trail21 observed

Cackling Goose (Taverner's)

Branta hutchinsii

4/13/2026McNary NWR--Headquarters/Quail Trail2 observed

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

4/12/2026Home1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

4/12/2026McNary NWR--Millet & Woodland Ponds1 observed

Gadwall x Green-winged Teal (hybrid)

Mareca strepera x Anas crecca

4/12/2026McNary NWR--Millet & Woodland Ponds1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/12/2026McNary NWR--Headquarters/Quail Trail1 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

4/11/2026McNary NWR--Millet & Woodland Ponds1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Greater White-fronted Goose

1814/17/2026

Canada Goose

14/17/2026

Cinnamon Teal

24/17/2026

Northern Shoveler

174/17/2026

Gadwall

74/17/2026

Mallard

54/17/2026

Green-winged Teal

44/17/2026

Ring-necked Duck

34/17/2026

Lesser Scaup

84/17/2026

Bufflehead

74/17/2026

Ruddy Duck

1004/17/2026

Rock Pigeon

24/17/2026

Virginia Rail

14/17/2026

American Coot

274/17/2026

Black-necked Stilt

74/17/2026

American Avocet

14/17/2026

Killdeer

34/17/2026

Wilson's Snipe

24/17/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

14/17/2026

Cooper's Hawk

14/17/2026

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