Shhhh… when you’re quiet, you can hear it: Thousands of wings skilfully ride the wind. Look up and see a sight that will take your breath away – thousands of migrating shorebirds make their home in Grays Harbor every year. Although some species of shorebirds live year-round in the area, migration is a great time to easily see many amazing birds – and experience a sight like no other.
Mary Oneil, Grays Harbor Audubon Society vice president and cruise coordinator, explains: “Grays Harbor and nearby Willapa Bay provide a large area of nutrient-rich seagrass meadows, providing one of the largest resting and refueling areas for migratory shorebirds. “This is an important stopover that has been designated as a Hemispheric Landmark.”
Bring the kids for some educational therapy, or use it as a solo retreat to recharge your batteries. You will never forget it.
Best Time of Year to See Shorebirds in Grays Harbor
You can see seabirds at any time in Grays Harbor, but if you’re looking for an easy birdwatching trip on the Washington Coast, come during migration.
The best time of year to see seabirds in Grays Harbor is during spring migration, from late April to early May. Mary says that the fall migration is spread over a long period of time (starting in July and continuing until November), so you don’t see large groups of different species like you do in the spring.
He adds: “Thousands of birds fly through this area on their way from Mexico, South America and the South Pacific to look for a summer feeding place that they find in Alaska. “This journey is a long one that requires a lot of patience, and of course, it needs a place to rest and eat.”
We are fortunate that Grays Harbor is one of the resting places for 12 species of birds.
Moving makes flying to Grays Harbor easy!
We all know how difficult it can be to find birds – it may require getting up early, before the sun, walking through the woods or bushes and standing for hours in the cold only to be disappointed. This is very difficult for children.
Mary says don’t despair – head to Grays Harbor in late April! He adds: “When you go up to a muddy area during migration, and the whole area seems to rise up, filling the sky, you can’t miss seeing it.”
This show is something your child will never forget! “One of my favorite examples was the year one of my siblings joined us one afternoon at Bottle Beach,” Mary says. At that time, all the birds were sitting still, resting, but then the waves began to change, throwing more water onto the sand. Suddenly, the whole row of ‘stones’ went towards the sky, going round and round. ‘Was it birds?’ he said in disbelief. ‘Give me your binoculars and let me look again!’ So, another bird appeared.”
Best Shorebird Watching Spots on the Washington Coast
During migration, you will see plovers, turnstone sandpipers, dowitchers and more. Wondering where the best places to watch seabirds in Grays Harbor are, especially during migration? Mary shares her favorite places:
Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge
1000 Airport Way, Hoquiam
- Home of the annual Shorebird Festival, it’s a great place to start!
- Easy navigation and viewing platforms
Bottle Beach
33 Ocosta Third St, Aberdeen
- More birds here than at any other viewing area.
- High number of bird species.
Greyland Beach
925 Cranberry Beach Rd, Grayland
- A great place to see an endangered species
Ocean Shores
Different places
- The jetty is a good place to see the turnstones
- Harborside of Ocean Shores at incoming tide, head to Bill’s Spit to see the birds being pushed by the rising tide – Mary says, “It’s something special!” Address: 740 Peninsula Court SE, Ocean Shores.
Mary adds that knowing the time of day to go birding in Grays Harbor is important, especially with regard to tides. “You want to be in place early enough to allow the tide to push the birds toward you,” he says. “I like to recommend at least two hours before a strong tide, but if there’s been a lot of rain or if there are storms from the high seas, a three-hour window might be better. Just know if you show up on the beach at the listed high tides, the birds won’t be there.”
You can find seasonal information about shorebirds on the Grays Harbor Shorebird and Nature Festival website.
Annual Shorebird Festival in Grays Harbor
And while you’re visiting Grays Harbor for bird watching, don’t miss the annual Grays Harbor Shorebird and Nature Festival!
Taking place every year in late April, early May, this festival takes bird watching to the next level with guided tours, field trips, birding, gourmet food, a market with bird vendors and exhibitors, live music and more!
Nature puts on a show once a year in Grays Harbor when the shorebirds come – don’t miss it.
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