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

7/19/2026McNary NWR--Headquarters/Quail Trail2 observed

Pine Siskin

Spinus pinus

7/16/2026Memorial Park, Pasco US-WA 46.23117, -119.107951 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

7/13/2026Riverview Park1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Gadwall

17/11/2026

Mallard

17/11/2026

Caspian Tern

27/11/2026

Great Egret

17/11/2026

American White Pelican

67/11/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/11/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/11/2026

American Kestrel

27/11/2026

Western Kingbird

17/11/2026

Song Sparrow

27/11/2026

Yellow-headed Blackbird

17/11/2026

Bullock's Oriole

47/11/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

27/11/2026

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.