Lewis Unit, Willapa National Wildlife Refuge

Location: Pacific County on south side of Willapa Bay, off Highway 101.

Habitat: U.S. Fish and Wildlife site, saltwater and freshwater marshes by Willapa Bay, hillside of deciduous and conifer forest.

Best season for birding: Good year-round.

Birds commonly seen: Water birds rule the roost! Freshwater marsh birds include common mergansers, canvasbacks and northern shovelers. Spring brings killdeer, lesser and greater yellowlegs, and spotted sandpipers, plus tree, northern rough-winged, violet-green, and barn swallows. Forest harbors common ravens, barred owls, band-tailed pigeons, spotted towhees and Steller's jays.

Viewing: Walk left up a half-mile hillside trail or down to 2-mile trail along dike to check ponds. Scope mudflats at low tide for spring shorebirds.

Getting there: From Highway 101 at Milepost 18.6, turn west onto Jeldness Road. Drive 1.2 miles to Lewis Unit parking area.

Source: Audubon Washington, Great Washington State Birding Trail maps. To order maps (Cascade Loop, Coulee Corridor, Olympic Loop or Southwest Loop), go online to www.wa.audubon.org. Call toll-free, 866-922-4737, for more information.