McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Walla Walla River Delta

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
River/RiparianWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

McNary National Wildlife Refuge - Walla Walla River Delta is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 240 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian and wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Cackling Goose, and Northern Shoveler among many others. Coastal and forest habitats support impressive year-round resident species and seasonal migrants.

Location

Loading map...

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

70002/26/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

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