Skagit Wildlife Area - Wiley Slough

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

Entrance Fee

Discover Pass required ($30/year or $10/day)

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Skagit Wildlife Area - Wiley Slough is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 244 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and Gadwall 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

Black Phoebe

Sayornis nigricans

3/5/2026Skagit Wildlife Area--Wiley Slough1 observed

Rock Wren

Salpinctes obsoletus

3/5/2026Ebey's Landing1 observed

Whooper Swan

Cygnus cygnus

3/5/202617673 Sam Bell Road, Bow, Washington, US (48.515, -122.364)1 observed

Sedge Wren

Cistothorus stellaris

3/4/2026Crockett Lake1 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

3/2/2026Thomle Road1 observed

Sora

Porzana carolina

3/2/2026Northern State Recreation Area, Sedro Woolley US-WA 48.52872, -122.195371 observed

Rock Sandpiper

Calidris ptilocnemis

3/1/2026Penn Cove1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

13/5/2026

Trumpeter Swan

1353/5/2026

Northern Shoveler

23/5/2026

Gadwall

53/5/2026

American Wigeon

1443/5/2026

Mallard

563/5/2026

Northern Pintail

53/5/2026

Green-winged Teal

613/5/2026

Ring-necked Duck

13/5/2026

Bufflehead

63/5/2026

Virginia Rail

13/5/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

133/5/2026

Ring-billed Gull

43/5/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

73/5/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

23/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/5/2026

American Bittern

13/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

73/5/2026

Cooper's Hawk

13/5/2026

Northern Harrier

33/5/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Bring insect repellent — wetland areas can have significant mosquito activity, especially in warmer months.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Skagit Wildlife Area - Wiley Slough for birding?
The best months to visit Skagit Wildlife Area - Wiley Slough for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Skagit Wildlife Area - Wiley Slough?
Notable species at Skagit Wildlife Area - Wiley Slough include Canada Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Gadwall, Green-winged Teal, Ring-necked Duck, Anna's Hummingbird, Short-billed Gull, Ring-billed Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Bald Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Steller's Jay. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Skagit Wildlife Area - Wiley Slough?
Birding at Skagit Wildlife Area - Wiley Slough is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Skagit Wildlife Area - Wiley Slough?
The entrance fee at Skagit Wildlife Area - Wiley Slough is Discover Pass required ($30/year or $10/day). Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Skagit Wildlife Area - Wiley Slough?
Skagit Wildlife Area - Wiley Slough offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.