Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 227 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, and Trumpeter Swan 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

Redhead

Aythya americana

3/5/2026Shillapoo Lake1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

3/5/2026Yellow headed blackbird stakeout1 observed

Brandt's Cormorant

Urile penicillatus

3/5/2026Columbia Point Hayden Island1 observed

Loggerhead Shrike

Lanius ludovicianus

3/5/2026Shillapoo Lake1 observed

American White Pelican

Pelecanus erythrorhynchos

3/4/2026Woodland Bottoms -- Austin Point, Lewis River Dike, & Kuhnis Rd54 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

3/4/2026Ridgefield NWR--River 'S' Unit1 observed

Black-crowned Night Heron

Nycticorax nycticorax

3/3/20269009 N Oswego Ave, Portland US-OR 45.59231, -122.748165 observed

Greater White-fronted x Cackling Goose (hybrid)

Anser albifrons x Branta hutchinsii

3/3/2026Vancouver Lake lowlands1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Cackling Goose

3002/28/2026

Canada Goose

32/28/2026

Trumpeter Swan

302/28/2026

Tundra Swan

502/28/2026

Wood Duck

42/28/2026

Cinnamon Teal

22/28/2026

Northern Shoveler

302/28/2026

Gadwall

102/28/2026

American Wigeon

22/28/2026

Mallard

402/28/2026

Northern Pintail

152/28/2026

Green-winged Teal

202/28/2026

Ring-necked Duck

252/28/2026

Lesser Scaup

32/28/2026

Bufflehead

72/28/2026

Hooded Merganser

22/28/2026

Ruddy Duck

152/28/2026

American Coot

502/28/2026

Sandhill Crane

32/28/2026

Killdeer

102/28/2026

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 Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge include Cackling Goose, Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Tundra Swan, Wood Duck. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge?
Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.