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

Anna's Hummingbird

Calypte anna

6/1/2026Ivy Glades, Pasco1 observed

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

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

6/1/2026Clover Island1 observed

Hairy Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus villosus

6/1/2026Sacajawea Historical SP2 observed

Black-throated Sparrow

Amphispiza bilineata

5/31/20269 Mile Canyon Rd2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

226/1/2026

Mallard

256/1/2026

American Coot

86/1/2026

Black-necked Stilt

26/1/2026

American Avocet

16/1/2026

Killdeer

16/1/2026

Franklin's Gull

166/1/2026

Ring-billed Gull

66/1/2026

California Gull

26/1/2026

Caspian Tern

196/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

186/1/2026

Great Egret

26/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/1/2026

American White Pelican

56/1/2026

Cooper's Hawk

16/1/2026

Bald Eagle

16/1/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/1/2026

American Crow

16/1/2026

Bank Swallow

546/1/2026

Bewick's Wren

16/1/2026

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.