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

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

7/21/2026Pasco home1 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

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

7/12/2026McNary NWR--Peninsula Unit1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Shoveler

47/20/2026

Mallard

147/20/2026

Green-winged Teal

57/20/2026

Ruddy Duck

127/20/2026

California Quail

17/20/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

17/20/2026

Virginia Rail

47/20/2026

American Coot

57/20/2026

Black-necked Stilt

17/20/2026

Killdeer

47/20/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

17/20/2026

Ring-billed Gull

57/20/2026

California Gull

47/20/2026

Caspian Tern

17/20/2026

American White Pelican

87/20/2026

Osprey

27/20/2026

Eastern Kingbird

27/20/2026

Bank Swallow

57/20/2026

Tree Swallow

17/20/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

17/20/2026

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.