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

Anna's Hummingbird

Calypte anna

6/1/2026Ivy Glades, Pasco1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

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

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

6/1/2026McNary NWR--Millet & Woodland Ponds21 observed

Black-throated Sparrow

Amphispiza bilineata

6/1/20269 Mile Canyon Rd2 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

6/1/2026Clover Island1 observed

Hairy Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus villosus

6/1/2026Sacajawea Historical SP2 observed

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

5/31/2026Howard Amon Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

46/2/2026

Cinnamon Teal

56/2/2026

Northern Shoveler

16/2/2026

Gadwall

16/2/2026

Mallard

26/2/2026

Redhead

126/2/2026

Ruddy Duck

306/2/2026

California Quail

86/2/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

16/2/2026

Mourning Dove

46/2/2026

Sora

16/2/2026

American Coot

126/2/2026

Black-necked Stilt

46/2/2026

American Avocet

36/2/2026

Killdeer

36/2/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

16/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

16/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/2/2026

American White Pelican

106/2/2026

Osprey

16/2/2026

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.