Leslie Groves Park/Nelson Island

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
CoastalUrban Park
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Leslie Groves Park/Nelson Island is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 200 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and urban park habitat attracts American Wigeon, Western Screech-Owl, and Canada Goose 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

Iceland Gull (Thayer's)

Larus glaucoides

3/5/2026Columbia Park1 observed

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

3/4/2026N Snively Rd., West Richland1 observed

Hairy Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus villosus

3/2/2026(46.208, -119.056)2 observed

Sandhill Crane

Antigone canadensis

2/28/2026McNary NWR - Fee Hunt Area (restricted access)2 observed

Great-tailed Grackle (Great-tailed)

Quiscalus mexicanus

2/25/2026Jackson's Grackle Stop, Burbank, Washington1 observed

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

2/25/2026Jackson's Grackle Stop, Burbank, Washington1 observed

Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

2/25/2026McNary NWR--Headquarters/Quail Trail1 observed

Slaty-backed Gull

Larus schistisagus

2/21/2026Pasco City (North Coast Electric roofs)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Wigeon

2/27/2026

Western Screech-Owl

12/27/2026

Canada Goose

252/21/2026

Bufflehead

32/21/2026

Common Goldeneye

102/21/2026

American Coot

332/21/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

12/21/2026

Northern Flicker

22/21/2026

American Crow

32/21/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

32/21/2026

Bewick's Wren

22/21/2026

House Finch

152/21/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

192/21/2026

Song Sparrow

172/21/2026

Spotted Towhee

52/21/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

282/21/2026

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 Leslie Groves Park/Nelson Island for birding?
The best months to visit Leslie Groves Park/Nelson Island for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Leslie Groves Park/Nelson Island?
Notable species at Leslie Groves Park/Nelson Island include American Wigeon, Western Screech-Owl, Canada Goose, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye. The area supports coastal, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Leslie Groves Park/Nelson Island?
Birding at Leslie Groves Park/Nelson Island is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Leslie Groves Park/Nelson Island?
Leslie Groves Park/Nelson Island offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.