Originally published April 10, 2008 at 12:00 AM | Page modified April 10, 2008 at 6:50 AM

Birders' Top Spots

Lewis Unit, Willapa National Wildlife Refuge

Water birds rule the roost at Lewis Unit, Willapa National Wildlife Refuge

DONNA DEWHURST

Look for canvasback drakes such as these at Willapa National Wildlife Refuge.

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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.

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