The Bowerman Basin area consists primarily of the Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge and the Hoquiam Sewage Ponds. It is one of only a handful of major migration refueling spots in the nation. For a few weeks every spring these mudflats become feeding grounds for up to a million shorebirds.

Every year near the beginning of May the Grays Harbor Audubon Society holds a Shorebird festival celebrating the return of our shorebirds. The festival includes field trips and lectures, as well as the opportunity to meet Birders from around the country.

While the fall offers some opportunities to view shorebirds on their return migration it is nothing like the spring migration. In the winter and spring the Sewage Lagoons offer Birders a chance to see many types of waterfowl. All the usual ducks are there as well as gulls and a few wintering shorebirds.

The best viewing times for shorebirds are 2 hours before and after the high tide.

Birds of the area

The spring migration consists primarily of: Western Sandpiper, Semipalmated Plover, Long-billed and Short-billed Dowitchers, Dunlin, and Red Knots. Peregrine Falcons and other raptors are also common as they feast amongst the mass of shorebirds.

Birds to expect during the winter at the Sewage ponds include: Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, scaup, Ring-necked Duck, Northern Shoveler, Canvasback, Mallard, Marsh Wren, and Canada Goose. And in most winters, Rough-legged Hawk.

American White Pelican, Chestnut-Collared Lonspur, and Lewis' Woodpecker were all seen in 1999. A Tufted Duck was seen in March 2000.

Directions

Bowerman Basin is easily reached from Hwy 109 towards Ocean Shores. From Hoquiam, take Hwy 109 towards Ocean Shores. About a mile after leaving town you will see the Hoquiam High School on your right. The next left after that will be Paulson Road. Take this road and follow it until it dead ends at the Sewage Pond. Turn right and follow the road into the airport until you reach the National Wildlife Refuge. Park across from Lana's cafe and follow the trail to the boardwalk out on the mudflats.

http://graysharbor.fws.gov/

 

Lake Quinault | Elma/Satsop | Bowerman | Ocean Shores | Bottle Beach | Pelagic | Westport