William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge

Oregon · West

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

March-May, September-November

About This Location

William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Oregon, with 261 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts American Wigeon, Mallard, and Lesser Scaup among many others. The diverse terrain supports both resident specialties and Pacific Flyway migrants throughout the year.

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

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/5/2026Eureka Rd1 observed

Lesser Yellowlegs

Tringa flavipes

3/3/20264028–4032 Bellfountain Rd, Corvallis US-OR 44.52210, -123.337841 observed

Vesper Sparrow

Pooecetes gramineus

3/2/2026Eureka Rd1 observed

Hammond's Flycatcher

Empidonax hammondii

2/28/2026Willamette Park (Benton Co.)1 observed

Pacific Golden-Plover

Pluvialis fulva

2/27/202633140 Highway 34 SE, Albany US-OR (44.5551,-123.0672)1 observed

Swamp Sparrow

Melospiza georgiana

2/27/2026Willamette Park (Benton Co.)1 observed

Black-throated Gray Warbler

Setophaga nigrescens

2/27/2026Willamette Park (Benton Co.)1 observed

Tricolored Blackbird

Agelaius tricolor

2/26/202634195–34399 Tangent Dr, Tangent US-OR 44.54099, -123.020473 observed

Long-billed Curlew

Numenius americanus

2/24/2026Creek Dr.4 observed

Harris's Sparrow

Zonotrichia querula

2/23/20261544 Main St Philomath1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Wigeon

33/3/2026

Mallard

53/3/2026

Lesser Scaup

13/3/2026

Bufflehead

33/3/2026

Hooded Merganser

13/3/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/3/2026

Peregrine Falcon

13/3/2026

Steller's Jay

43/3/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

23/3/2026

Tree Swallow

53/3/2026

Marsh Wren

33/3/2026

American Robin

53/3/2026

Canada Goose

403/3/2026

Wood Duck

43/3/2026

Mourning Dove

13/3/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

73/3/2026

Northern Harrier

33/3/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

13/3/2026

American Kestrel

33/3/2026

California Scrub-Jay

13/3/2026

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

    Early mornings provide the best light and bird activity along the coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge for birding are March-May, September-November. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge include American Wigeon, Mallard, Lesser Scaup, Bufflehead, Hooded Merganser. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge?
William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.