A park filled with lots of trees covered in leaves

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

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
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

Terek Sandpiper

Xenus cinereus

7/21/2026Stanwood Water Treatment Plant1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

7/21/2026Stanwood Water Treatment Plant1 observed

Redhead

Aythya americana

7/21/2026Stanwood Water Treatment Plant1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

87/19/2026

Mallard

17/19/2026

Green-winged Teal

27/19/2026

Black-bellied Plover

77/19/2026

Killdeer

57/19/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

417/19/2026

Least Sandpiper

17/19/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

37/19/2026

Ring-billed Gull

1007/19/2026

Caspian Tern

17/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

37/19/2026

Northern Harrier

17/19/2026

Bald Eagle

17/19/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/19/2026

Barn Swallow

47/19/2026

Marsh Wren

47/19/2026

European Starling

27/19/2026

American Robin

17/19/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

17/19/2026

Savannah Sparrow

47/19/2026

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.