Grays Harbor Shorebird and Nature Festival

Black Bellied Plovers in Winter - Photo by J. Wieser

2025 Bird Surveys

Shorebird surveys at Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge are conducted every few days during spring migration, mid-April through mid-May. The Refuge Biologist and Volunteers are positioned along the Sandpiper Trail for up to three hours before the predicted high tide and may not be able to answer questions while they are counting shorebirds.

GH Shorebird Survey Report – April 23, 2025
GH Shorebird Survey Report – April 23, 2025 (7:59–10:58 AM); High Tide (8.6 ft @ 9:58 AM)
Surveyor: JG

Clear skies and calm conditions made for a great morning of birding. Temperatures rose from 44°F to 48°F. Shorebird activity was highest at start of survey. Approximately 9,540 shorebirds were observed, including a large, undifferentiated group (~2,000) on Mini Moon Island.

Dunlin were again the most numerous species, with good showings of Western Sandpiper, Red Knot, and Black-bellied Plover. Notable observations included four Whimbrel and two Bald Eagles.

Species Counts:
Black-bellied Plover: 141
Semipalmated Plover: 15
Dunlin: 6,800
Western Sandpiper: 500
Red Knot: 63
Dowitcher spp.: 17
Yellowlegs spp.: 4
Whimbrel: 4
Unknown Shorebirds: 2,000