Restored salt marsh and boardwalk at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
WetlandCoastalRiparianGrassland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-March

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Dawn to dusk daily; Visitor Center 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

About This Location

Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge sits at the delta where the Nisqually River enters Puget Sound, protecting over 3,000 acres of salt marsh, freshwater wetland, riparian forest, and grassland habitats. Over 300 bird species have been recorded at this critical migration stopover and wintering area, making it one of the most important birding sites in western Washington.

The Twin Barns Loop Trail and the mile-long boardwalk across the restored estuary provide outstanding access to diverse birdlife. Thousands of wintering ducks, geese, and swans fill the wetlands from October through March, while the salt marsh hosts shorebirds during migration. Breeding species include Marsh Wrens, Virginia Rails, and Common Yellowthroats, and the riparian forest supports nesting warblers, woodpeckers, and raptors.

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

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/2/2026JBLM Area 10 (restricted access)1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

6/1/2026Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR1 observed

Western Gull

Larus occidentalis

6/1/2026Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR2 observed

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

5/31/20266320 Grandview Drive West, University Place, Washington, US (47.202, -122.577)2 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

5/31/2026Z St. Cul De Sac Marsh1 observed

Golden-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia atricapilla

5/31/2026West Rocky Prairie1 observed

Tufted Puffin

Fratercula cirrhata

5/31/2026Ruston Way Waterfront1 observed

Horned Lark

Eremophila alpestris

5/31/20267702 Terminal Street Southwest, Tumwater, Washington, US (46.976, -122.91)1 observed

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

5/31/202620305 59th Ave. E. Spanaway B. Hanson residence1 observed

Short-billed Gull

Larus brachyrhynchus

5/29/2026Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually NWR--Twin Barns Loop1 observed

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

5/28/2026Flett Creek Wetlands (Mountain View Cemetery Marsh)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Nighthawk

46/2/2026

Mallard

26/2/2026

Band-tailed Pigeon

26/2/2026

Rufous Hummingbird

36/2/2026

Red-breasted Sapsucker

26/2/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

16/2/2026

Tree Swallow

26/2/2026

Barn Swallow

6/2/2026

Brown Creeper

16/2/2026

Marsh Wren

46/2/2026

Swainson's Thrush

26/2/2026

American Robin

116/2/2026

Song Sparrow

26/2/2026

Spotted Towhee

26/2/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

86/2/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

16/2/2026

Olive-sided Flycatcher

16/2/2026

Canada Goose

96/2/2026

Wood Duck

86/2/2026

Blue-winged Teal

26/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk the boardwalk across the estuary for expansive views of waterfowl and raptors

  2. 2

    Visit at low tide for the best shorebird diversity on the exposed mudflats

  3. 3

    Winter mornings offer the largest concentrations of ducks, swans, and eagles

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge for birding are October-March. The best seasons are Winter and Fall.
What birds can I see at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge include Trumpeter Swan, Short-eared Owl, Virginia Rail, Dunlin, Northern Harrier, Bald Eagle. The area supports wetland, coastal, riparian, grassland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge?
There is no entrance fee at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge. Hours: Dawn to dusk daily; Visitor Center 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM.
What amenities are available at Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge?
Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Visitor Center, Trails, Boardwalk.