River/Riparian birding habitat

McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Walla Walla River Delta

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Walla Walla River Delta is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 240 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Cackling Goose, and Northern Shoveler 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

Anna's Hummingbird

Calypte anna

7/15/2026Ivy Glades, Pasco1 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

Canada Goose

17/12/2026

Blue-winged Teal

57/12/2026

Cinnamon Teal

27/12/2026

Mallard

167/12/2026

Mourning Dove

17/12/2026

Killdeer

137/12/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

137/12/2026

Least Sandpiper

87/12/2026

Western Sandpiper

407/12/2026

Ring-billed Gull

307/12/2026

California Gull

507/12/2026

Caspian Tern

27/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

27/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/12/2026

American White Pelican

107/12/2026

Western Kingbird

17/12/2026

American Crow

57/12/2026

Bank Swallow

507/12/2026

Tree Swallow

27/12/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

17/12/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

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