Wetland birding habitat

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 227 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, and Trumpeter Swan 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

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

5/31/2026Pumpkin Slough & NE 13th Ave.1 observed

Black Tern

Chlidonias niger

5/31/2026Ridgefield NWR--River 'S' Unit1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

5/31/2026Ridgefield NWR--River 'S' Unit4 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

5/31/2026756 NE Lombard St, Portland US-OR 45.57716, -122.657331 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/31/2026Pumpkin Slough & NE 13th Ave.1 observed

Evening Grosbeak (Northwestern or type 1)

Hesperiphona vespertina

5/31/202697051, Saint Helens US-OR (45.8969,-122.9900)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

305/31/2026

Wood Duck

125/31/2026

Cinnamon Teal

135/31/2026

Northern Shoveler

45/31/2026

Gadwall

135/31/2026

Mallard

225/31/2026

Redhead

45/31/2026

Ruddy Duck

15/31/2026

Vaux's Swift

25/31/2026

Virginia Rail

15/31/2026

Sora

15/31/2026

American Coot

55/31/2026

Killdeer

125/31/2026

Wilson's Snipe

55/31/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/31/2026

American Bittern

45/31/2026

Great Egret

115/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

Osprey

15/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Pack rain gear — the best birding often coincides with drizzly conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Tundra Swan, Wood Duck. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge?
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.