McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Millet & Woodland Ponds

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
ForestWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Millet & Woodland Ponds is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 222 species recorded on eBird. This forest and wetland habitat attracts Sandhill Crane, Gadwall, and American Wigeon 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

Chukar

Alectoris chukar

2/21/2026lower Hatch Grade Rd3 observed

Slaty-backed Gull

Larus schistisagus

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

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  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 - Millet & Woodland Ponds for birding?
The best months to visit McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Millet & Woodland Ponds for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Millet & Woodland Ponds?
Notable species at McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Millet & Woodland Ponds include Sandhill Crane, Gadwall, American Wigeon, Mallard, Northern Pintail. The area supports forest, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Millet & Woodland Ponds?
Birding at McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Millet & Woodland Ponds is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Millet & Woodland Ponds?
McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Millet & Woodland Ponds offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.