McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters/Quail Trail

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters/Quail Trail is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 231 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, 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

Hairy Woodpecker

Leuconotopicus villosus

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

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

3/1/2026Port Kelley1 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

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

2/22/2026Yakima River Delta5 observed

Chukar

Alectoris chukar

2/21/2026lower Hatch Grade Rd3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

3/3/2026

Greater White-fronted Goose

303/3/2026

Canada Goose

253/3/2026

Northern Shoveler

83/3/2026

American Wigeon

203/3/2026

Mallard

123/3/2026

Northern Pintail

103/3/2026

Green-winged Teal

43/3/2026

Ring-necked Duck

83/3/2026

Ruddy Duck

303/3/2026

California Quail

43/3/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

23/3/2026

American Coot

123/3/2026

Killdeer

23/3/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

43/3/2026

Northern Harrier

13/3/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

23/3/2026

Northern Flicker

13/3/2026

American Kestrel

13/3/2026

American Robin

23/3/2026

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters/Quail Trail for birding?
The best months to visit McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters/Quail Trail for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters/Quail Trail?
Notable species at McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters/Quail Trail include Snow Goose, Greater White-fronted Goose, Canada Goose, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters/Quail Trail?
Birding at McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters/Quail Trail is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters/Quail Trail?
McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Headquarters/Quail Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.