Skagit Wildlife Area - Fir Island Farm Reserve (Hayton Reserve)

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Discover Pass required ($30/year or $10/day)

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Skagit Wildlife Area - Fir Island Farm Reserve (Hayton Reserve) is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 232 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Snow 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

Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

3/5/2026Skagit Wildlife Area--Wiley Slough1 observed

Rock Wren

Salpinctes obsoletus

3/5/2026Ebey's Landing1 observed

Whooper Swan

Cygnus cygnus

3/5/202617673 Sam Bell Road, Bow, Washington, US (48.515, -122.364)1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

3/5/2026Washington Park, Anacortes1 observed

Sedge Wren

Cistothorus stellaris

3/4/2026Crockett Lake1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

3/2/2026Thomle Road1 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

3/2/2026Northern State Recreation Area, Sedro Woolley US-WA 48.52872, -122.195371 observed

Rock Sandpiper

Calidris ptilocnemis

3/1/2026Penn Cove1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

80003/5/2026

Mallard

1003/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

1003/5/2026

Bald Eagle

13/5/2026

Orange-crowned Warbler

13/5/2026

Gadwall

43/5/2026

American Wigeon

3/5/2026

Bufflehead

13/5/2026

Common Goldeneye

13/5/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

113/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

33/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/5/2026

Northern Harrier

13/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

453/5/2026

Canada Goose

23/5/2026

Trumpeter Swan

253/5/2026

Tundra Swan

13/5/2026

Northern Pintail

13/5/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/5/2026

European Starling

63/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Onshore winds can push pelagic species closer to shore, making post-storm days excellent for rarities.

  5. 5

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Skagit Wildlife Area - Fir Island Farm Reserve (Hayton Reserve) for birding?
The best months to visit Skagit Wildlife Area - Fir Island Farm Reserve (Hayton Reserve) for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Skagit Wildlife Area - Fir Island Farm Reserve (Hayton Reserve)?
Notable species at Skagit Wildlife Area - Fir Island Farm Reserve (Hayton Reserve) include Snow Goose, Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Tundra Swan, American Wigeon, Marsh Wren, European Starling, Red-winged Blackbird, Northern Shoveler, Eurasian Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Skagit Wildlife Area - Fir Island Farm Reserve (Hayton Reserve)?
Birding at Skagit Wildlife Area - Fir Island Farm Reserve (Hayton Reserve) is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
Is there an entrance fee at Skagit Wildlife Area - Fir Island Farm Reserve (Hayton Reserve)?
The entrance fee at Skagit Wildlife Area - Fir Island Farm Reserve (Hayton Reserve) is Discover Pass required ($30/year or $10/day). Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Skagit Wildlife Area - Fir Island Farm Reserve (Hayton Reserve)?
Skagit Wildlife Area - Fir Island Farm Reserve (Hayton Reserve) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.