a group of mountains covered in clouds and trees

Skagit Wildlife Area - Wiley Slough

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

6/1/2026Northern State Recreation Area1 observed

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

5/31/2026Crockett Lake2 observed

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

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

Western Meadowlark

Sturnella neglecta

5/31/2026Channel Drive2 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Blue-winged Teal

25/31/2026

Cinnamon Teal

15/31/2026

Northern Shoveler

25/31/2026

Gadwall

55/31/2026

American Wigeon

15/31/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

25/31/2026

Killdeer

105/31/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/31/2026

Bald Eagle

15/31/2026

Western Flycatcher

15/31/2026

Common Raven

15/31/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

15/31/2026

Tree Swallow

255/31/2026

Barn Swallow

55/31/2026

European Starling

15/31/2026

American Robin

15/31/2026

Cedar Waxwing

155/31/2026

House Finch

25/31/2026

American Goldfinch

35/31/2026

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.

  4. 4

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

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

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.