Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
CoastalWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, and Mallard 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

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/1/2026Westport pelagic--inshore1 observed

Ruddy Turnstone

Arenaria interpres

3/1/2026Ocean Shores--Pt. Brown Jetty1 observed

Red-footed Booby

Sula sula

2/28/2026Westport Marina1 observed

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

2/25/2026Ocean Shores -- Bill's Spit1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler (Myrtle x Audubon's)

Setophaga coronata

2/25/2026Ocean Shores--Oyhut Wildlife Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

202/24/2026

Northern Shoveler

52/24/2026

Mallard

22/24/2026

Common Goldeneye

32/24/2026

Ring-billed Gull

22/24/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

42/24/2026

Great Blue Heron

22/24/2026

Bald Eagle

12/24/2026

Northern Flicker

12/24/2026

American Crow

12/24/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

42/24/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

22/24/2026

Bewick's Wren

32/24/2026

European Starling

2002/24/2026

Hermit Thrush

22/24/2026

American Robin

42/24/2026

Song Sparrow

52/24/2026

Spotted Towhee

12/24/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge include Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, Mallard, Common Goldeneye, Ring-billed Gull. The area supports coastal, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge?
Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.