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

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

5/31/2026Crockett Lake2 observed

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

5/31/2026Channel Drive2 observed

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

5/31/2026Skagit Wildlife Area--Fir Island Farm Reserve (Hayton Reserve)1 observed

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

5/31/2026Northern State Recreation Area1 observed

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

5/30/2026Fort Casey Picnic Area1 observed

Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

5/30/2026Skagit Wildlife Area--Wiley Slough2 observed

Semipalmated Plover

Charadrius semipalmatus

5/29/2026Skagit Wildlife Area--Fir Island Farm Reserve (Hayton Reserve)2 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/29/2026155 Utsalady Rd, Camano Island US-WA 48.25471, -122.474271 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

5/28/2026Skagit Wildlife Area--Wiley Slough3 observed

Pectoral Sandpiper

Calidris melanotos

5/28/2026Skagit Wildlife Area--Fir Island Farm Reserve (Hayton Reserve)4 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

505/31/2026

Northern Shoveler

15/31/2026

Mallard

35/31/2026

Killdeer

25/31/2026

Bald Eagle

15/31/2026

Tree Swallow

15/31/2026

American Robin

15/31/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

15/31/2026

Savannah Sparrow

35/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

45/31/2026

Gadwall

75/31/2026

Black-bellied Plover

25/31/2026

Song Sparrow

25/31/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

15/31/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

75/31/2026

Caspian Tern

25/31/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/31/2026

Common Raven

15/31/2026

Barn Swallow

35/31/2026

Marsh Wren

85/31/2026

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.