Did you know that William L. Finley National Wildlife Refuge has recorded 9 different species of geese including several hybrids and subspecies of geese? We even had a Tundra-Bean Goose visit us!
We are a birding hot spot and a must-visit for birders everywhere! William L. Finley has recorded over 260 different species of birds ranging from resident birds to extremely rare birds! If you would like to know which birds have visited Finley, check us out on or view our Seasonal Bird Checklist!
In the winter you will hear the goose and swan noise for miles and miles. We manage wetlands, agricultural fields, and wet prairies for the migrating waterfowl that spend the winter in the Willamette Valley and we help them prepare for their spring migration back up north to breed.
For the best chance to see the thousands of ducks and geese at the Refuge during the winter, visit:
McFadden's Marsh Observation Trail (Year-round)
Cabell Marsh Trail (Seasonal - April 1st to October 31st)
Discovery Pond (Year-round)
During spring and fall migration the variety of species you will see traveling through is impressive. The Refuge sits along the Pacific Flyway, one of the four major flyways in the Americas. This means we are a favorite rest and roost location for birds as they migrate north and south.
Our oak groves host Acorn woodpecker colonies, Western bluebirds, Swallows, and Chickadees who will eventually use the cavities in these trees to nest in. Every Summer, the Refuge sees several different species of Warblers, Vireos, Flycatchers, Sparrows, and other neotropical migrants.
For the best chance to observe the several migrating birds at the Refuge during the Spring and Summer, visit:
Mill Hill Trail (Year-round)
Woodpecker Loop Trail (Year-round)
Homer Campbell Boardwalk Trail (Year-round)
