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

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

7/21/20269015 Northeast 83rd Court, Vancouver, Washington, US (45.688, -122.587)1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

7/21/2026Ridgefield NWR--River 'S' Unit4 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

7/19/2026Kelley Point Park1 observed

Red Crossbill (Douglas-fir or type 4)

Loxia curvirostra

7/19/2026Vedanta Retreat2 observed

Short-billed Gull

Larus brachyrhynchus

7/19/2026Broughton Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Pied-billed Grebe

47/21/2026

Great Egret

137/21/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/21/2026

Downy Woodpecker

17/21/2026

Tree Swallow

17/21/2026

European Starling

127/21/2026

House Finch

17/21/2026

Song Sparrow

27/21/2026

Canada Goose

327/21/2026

Wood Duck

27/21/2026

Mallard

17/21/2026

Mourning Dove

17/21/2026

American Coot

37/21/2026

Sandhill Crane

47/21/2026

Killdeer

17/21/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

17/21/2026

American Bittern

17/21/2026

Cliff Swallow

17/21/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

17/21/2026

Cinnamon Teal

57/21/2026

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.