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

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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

Common Nighthawk

Chordeiles minor

5/31/2026Buckman neighborhood1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

5/31/2026Pumpkin Slough & NE 13th Ave.1 observed

Eastern Kingbird

Tyrannus tyrannus

5/31/2026Powell Butte Nature Park1 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

5/31/2026756 NE Lombard St, Portland US-OR 45.57716, -122.657331 observed

Rock Wren

Salpinctes obsoletus

5/31/2026Silver Star Mountain (Skamania Co.)1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/31/2026Pumpkin Slough & NE 13th Ave.1 observed

American Goshawk

Astur atricapillus

5/31/2026Mountain View 4x4 Trail, Camas, Washington, US (45.695, -122.274)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Wood Duck

125/31/2026

Gadwall

65/31/2026

Osprey

25/31/2026

American Kestrel

15/31/2026

Bank Swallow

105/31/2026

Great Egret

25/31/2026

American White Pelican

205/31/2026

Canada Goose

185/31/2026

Mallard

115/31/2026

Mourning Dove

35/31/2026

Vaux's Swift

45/31/2026

American Coot

95/31/2026

Killdeer

25/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

125/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

125/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/31/2026

Northern Harrier

15/31/2026

Bald Eagle

15/31/2026

Downy Woodpecker

15/31/2026

Northern Flicker

35/31/2026

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.