Birding

Willapa National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) was established in 1937 to protect migrating and wintering populations of black brant, other waterfowl, shorebirds, and their respective habitats. Refuge units now total more than 14,000 acres with an incredible diversity of habitat types represented. Leadbetter Point, with its broad expanse of natural salt marshes and subtle dunes combined with scattered coniferous stands and associated shoreline habitats is a regional attraction for birdwatchers.

By contrast, the forested uplands, winding sloughs, and associated shoreline of Long Island attracts a great variety of forest, marsh, and waterbirds. The Cedar Grove, a 274-acre remnant of the once vast coastal forest supports a lively mix of woodpeckers, swifts, and songbirds.

The freshwater marshes and pastures of the Lewis and Riekkola Units, located along the souther shore of Willapa Bay, attract perhaps the greatest variety of water fowl on the refuge. The Riekkola pastures support large numbers of Canada geese in winter and serve as a local hotspot for songbirds in the spring.

You can download the Willapa NWR birding list as a .pdf.

Friends of Willapa National Wildlife Refuge
3888 SR 101
Ilwaco, WA 98624
360-484-3482
president@friendsofwillaparefuge.org