Lake birding habitat

Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
LakeWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 217 species recorded on eBird. This lake and wetland habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, and Gadwall among many others. Coastal and forest habitats support impressive year-round resident species and seasonal migrants.

Location

Loading map...

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

Red-shouldered Hawk

Buteo lineatus

7/21/20269015 Northeast 83rd Court, Vancouver, Washington, US (45.688, -122.587)1 observed

Western Kingbird

Tyrannus verticalis

7/20/2026NE Sundial Rd.--Company Lake2 observed

Short-billed Gull

Larus brachyrhynchus

7/19/2026Broughton Beach1 observed

Rock Wren

Salpinctes obsoletus

7/19/202698607, Camas US-WA 45.70000, -122.280901 observed

Black-backed Woodpecker

Picoides arcticus

7/18/2026Sherrard Point2 observed

Red Crossbill (Douglas-fir or type 4)

Loxia curvirostra

7/18/2026Jennings Heights1 observed

Cassin's Finch

Haemorhous cassinii

7/17/2026Mountain View 4x4 Trailhead (Migration Corner)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

107/19/2026

Mallard

207/19/2026

Killdeer

27/19/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

27/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

107/19/2026

Great Egret

57/19/2026

Great Blue Heron

27/19/2026

Osprey

27/19/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

27/19/2026

Downy Woodpecker

47/19/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

27/19/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

17/19/2026

Northern Flicker

87/19/2026

American Kestrel

37/19/2026

California Scrub-Jay

27/19/2026

American Crow

67/19/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

87/19/2026

Purple Martin

167/19/2026

Barn Swallow

67/19/2026

Brown Creeper

17/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.

  2. 2

    Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Gadwall, Mallard, Green-winged Teal. The area supports lake, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge?
Steigerwald Lake National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.