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

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

4/18/2026McNary NWR--Millet & Woodland Ponds1 observed

Iceland Gull (Thayer's)

Larus glaucoides

4/17/2026Columbia Park1 observed

Hairy Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus villosus

4/16/2026Sacajawea Historical SP1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

4/15/2026Clover Island1 observed

Cackling Goose (minima)

Branta hutchinsii

4/13/2026McNary NWR--Headquarters/Quail Trail3 observed

Marsh Wren (plesius Group)

Cistothorus palustris

4/13/2026McNary NWR--Headquarters/Quail Trail21 observed

Cackling Goose (Taverner's)

Branta hutchinsii

4/13/2026McNary NWR--Headquarters/Quail Trail7 observed

Calliope Hummingbird

Selasphorus calliope

4/12/2026Home1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

4/12/2026McNary NWR--Millet & Woodland Ponds1 observed

Gadwall x Green-winged Teal (hybrid)

Mareca strepera x Anas crecca

4/12/2026McNary NWR--Millet & Woodland Ponds1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

4/12/2026McNary NWR--Headquarters/Quail Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

5004/18/2026

Canada Goose

114/18/2026

Cinnamon Teal

14/18/2026

Northern Shoveler

44/18/2026

Gadwall

154/18/2026

American Wigeon

54/18/2026

Mallard

854/18/2026

Northern Pintail

144/18/2026

Green-winged Teal

34/18/2026

Greater Scaup

304/18/2026

Bufflehead

254/18/2026

Mourning Dove

14/18/2026

American Coot

1204/18/2026

Black-necked Stilt

54/18/2026

American Avocet

34/18/2026

Killdeer

14/18/2026

Ring-billed Gull

44/18/2026

American Herring Gull

14/18/2026

California Gull

14/18/2026

Caspian Tern

654/18/2026

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.