Washington Birding Resources

Audubon Washington’s Great Washington State Birding Trail comprises a series of self-guided driving loops that guide nature tourists to see our 365 species of birds along Scenic Byway routes throughout the state.

The Nifty Fifty

The Nifty Fifty is a mini-guide to the birds of Washington. It includes descriptions, images, video and songs of 50 of the most often observed birds of Washington. View the guide by clicking here or on the Nifty Fifty link on the left.

You will need the free Flash player to view the guide.

Some birds prefer to stay near the ground, while others are almost always seen high in a tree. Look for the following notations in the species descriptions to determine where the species is most likely to be seen. If a note is not present, the bird does not have a strong affinity for a particular region.

• Look high.
• Look mid-story.
• Look low.

State Information

Washington Ornithological Society

Check-list of Washington Birds

Birding Locations

Grays Canyon

Olympic National Park

Skagit Flats - Padilla Bay Reserve Shore Trail

Washington State Bird - American Goldfinch

Washington Birding Events

Grays Harbor Shorebird Festival
Annually in April|
Hoquiam, Washington
Phone: 800-303-8498
Enjoy the marvelous migratory journey as more than 500,000 shorebirds stop over in Grays Harbor to store up energy on their trip to the annual nesting grounds. The festival offers field trips to all the major shorebird hot spots, local vendors and exhibitors, a free children's Fun Fair, free shuttle service out to Grays Harbor National Widlife Refuge for excellent viewing, the Shorebird Poster contest featuring local students' art, and much more!

Puget Sound Bird Fest

Annually in September (no longer in May)

Edmonds, Washington
Phone: 425-771-0227 - Email: Gerend@ci.edmonds.wa.us
Edmonds has lots of beautiful sunny weather in September, and chances are good that you will see some delightful (and maybe unexpected) birds. Best bets on the waterfront and the Sound itself are Common Tern, Parasitic Jaeger, Heerman’s Gull, and Red-necked Phalarope. Wooded sites like Yost Park will be harboring some migrating warblers, and maybe you’ll spot Hermit Thrushes feeding on the ripe berries. Pectoral Sandpipers may show up at the Edmonds Marsh, along with other shorebirds such as Dowitchers and Yellowlegs.
Edmonds is stop #1 on the Cascades Loop of The Great Washington State Birding Trail map, recently developed by Audubon Washington. The trail includes seven loops, highlighting the best birding sites throughout the state. The Cascades Loop was the first map published, in 2002. A birding festival gives the City of Edmonds the opportunity to promote local birding, invite visitors to appreciate Edmonds' spectacular natural environment and friendly downtown atmosphere, and educate residents on bird-friendly gardening and the Critical Areas Ordinance.

BirdFest and Bluegrass
Annually in October
Ridgefield, Washington
Phone: 360-887-9495
Celebrate the return of the birds and the natural beauty of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge! Enjoy bird walks, plankhouse tours, special activities for the whole family; Birders' Marketplace and great food vendors!

Other resources and locations

If you have suggestions for additional birding resources in Washington, from web sites to your favorite birding location, submit your information using the following form. You can cut and paste large amounts if text into the information field. Birding locations are the most desired, but any good resource on Washington birds is welcomed.

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