Forest birding habitat

McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Millet & Woodland Ponds

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Millet & Woodland Ponds is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Sandhill Crane, Gadwall, and American Wigeon 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

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

Least Flycatcher

Empidonax minimus

6/1/2026Frog Hollow Rd1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

6/1/2026Clover Island1 observed

Hairy Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus villosus

6/1/2026Sacajawea Historical SP2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

16/1/2026

Northern Shoveler

26/1/2026

Rock Pigeon

26/1/2026

Great Egret

26/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

26/1/2026

American White Pelican

46/1/2026

Violet-green Swallow

66/1/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

66/1/2026

House Finch

36/1/2026

Lark Sparrow

16/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

66/1/2026

Lazuli Bunting

16/1/2026

Cinnamon Teal

36/1/2026

Mallard

26/1/2026

California Quail

36/1/2026

Wild Turkey

16/1/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

16/1/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

26/1/2026

Mourning Dove

26/1/2026

Common Nighthawk

16/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  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 - Millet & Woodland Ponds for birding?
The best months to visit McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Millet & Woodland Ponds for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Millet & Woodland Ponds?
Notable species at McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Millet & Woodland Ponds include Sandhill Crane, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Millet & Woodland Ponds?
Birding at McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Millet & Woodland Ponds is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Millet & Woodland Ponds?
McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Millet & Woodland Ponds offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.