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Each spring, hundreds of thousands of shorebirds stop to rest and feed along the Washington Coast and in the Grays Harbor estuary during their migration northward. Coming from as far south as Argentina, these Arctic-bound shorebirds are among the world's greatest migrants. Some birds travel over 15,000 miles round trip! The concentration of birds during spring migration offers people a great chance to view a number of shorebird species. With luck you will also see the birds fly together in beautiful formation "murmurations" while trying to escape a Peregrine Falcon.
Shorebird is the name given to the group of birds that are usually found along the shoreline. They include plovers, turnstones, sandpipers, dowitchers, and others. Some shorebirds can be found in Grays Harbor County all year; others only during their migration.
The shorebird spectacle happens every year at Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge and in other parts of the County. People from around the world come to view this event of hemispheric importance. The Festival works to bring people together for this incredible natural phenomenon.
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Updates
The next Shorebird and Nature Festival is May 3 - 5, 2024. Plans are underway for speakers, workshops, and tours. Watch for registration in late winter 2024.
View Facebook Videos of the 2023 festival.
Donations to the shorebird education program are necessary and gratefully received.
Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge is open Sunrise to Sunset, 7 Days a week, and we invite you to enjoy our year-round trail.
Should you have questions, concerns, or comments, please contact us using the contact form on this website.
In 2025, the Shorebird Festival will be April 25, 26, and 27. The Festival dates are based on the best high tides. Friday, April 25 high tide @ 12:06 pm (9.37 ft) Saturday, April 26 high tide @ 1:03 pm (9.67 ft) Sunday, April 27 high tide @ 2:00 pm (9.82 ft) High tides the first weekend in May 2025 are early morning and evening. |
