a group of mountains covered in clouds and trees

Skagit Wildlife Area - Wiley Slough

Washington · Pacific Northwest

ModerateOfficial Site View on eBird Directions

Habitat

Wetland

Best Seasons

Spring Fall

Difficulty

Moderate

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 - Wiley Slough is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 244 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and Gadwall among many others. Coastal and forest habitats support impressive year-round resident species and seasonal migrants.

Location

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Notable Species

Canada Goose Trumpeter Swan Gadwall Green-winged Teal Ring-necked Duck Anna's Hummingbird Short-billed Gull Ring-billed Gull Glaucous-winged Gull Bald Eagle Red-tailed Hawk Steller's Jay

Live Bird Data

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

Eurasian Collared-Dove

67/21/2026

Virginia Rail

27/21/2026

Killdeer

77/21/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

37/21/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

77/21/2026

Solitary Sandpiper

17/21/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

17/21/2026

Least Sandpiper

107/21/2026

Western Sandpiper

17/21/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

17/21/2026

Bald Eagle

17/21/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/21/2026

California Scrub-Jay

17/21/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

17/21/2026

Tree Swallow

167/21/2026

Violet-green Swallow

27/21/2026

Barn Swallow

17/21/2026

Marsh Wren

27/21/2026

Bewick's Wren

17/21/2026

European Starling

57/21/2026

Birding Tips

1
Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.
2
Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.
3
Pack rain gear — the best birding often coincides with drizzly conditions.
4
Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.
5
Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

Nearby Attractions

Fir Island Farm Reserve
Padilla Bay Shore Trail
Samish Flats

More in Washington

Olympic National Park

Rainforest-to-coast park with Marbled Murrelets, seabirds, and alpine species.

Skagit Valley

Northwest Washington valley with exceptional wintering raptors, swans, and Snow Geese.

Discovery Park

Seattle's largest park with old-growth forest, Puget Sound shoreline, and 270+ bird species.

Washington Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in Washington →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Where to See Bald Eagles

11 min read

How to Attract Hummingbirds

10 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Skagit Wildlife Area - Wiley Slough for birding?▼

The best months to visit Skagit Wildlife Area - Wiley Slough for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.

What birds can I see at Skagit Wildlife Area - Wiley Slough?▼

Notable species at Skagit Wildlife Area - Wiley Slough include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Gadwall, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Anna's Hummingbird, Short-billed Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Steller's Jay. The area supports wetland habitats.

How difficult is birding at Skagit Wildlife Area - Wiley Slough?▼

Birding at Skagit Wildlife Area - Wiley Slough is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

Is there an entrance fee at Skagit Wildlife Area - Wiley Slough?▼

The entrance fee at Skagit Wildlife Area - Wiley Slough is Discover Pass required ($30/year or $10/day). Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.

What amenities are available at Skagit Wildlife Area - Wiley Slough?▼

Skagit Wildlife Area - Wiley Slough offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.