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Every spring, staff and volunteers head to Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge to survey shorebirds. They count the number of species seen, and they count the number of birds as well. This is a challenging task when thousands of birds mill about on the mudflat! But it is important to capture this data to get an idea of the health of the shorebird populations and a window into the importance of Grays Harbor as a rest stop and source of food as these birds migrate north.
Scan the data presented below to get an idea of how many shorebirds pass through Grays Harbor during peak migration season...
GH Shorebird Survey Report – April 16, 2026
Time: 10:27 AM – 2:57 PM • High Tide: 9.7 ft @ 1:27 PM (Aberdeen)
Surveyors: JB, CC
A total of 4,964 shorebirds were observed. Dunlin (1,750) and Western Sandpiper (780) were most numerous, with a large group of ~2,300 shorebirds (unknown) roosting on Mini Moon Island.
With tides reaching above ~9.0 ft, most mudflat habitat was inundated, and birds were either pushed into roosting areas or moved off-site. Activity was centered around roost locations rather than feeding areas.
Species Counts:
• Black-bellied Plover: 94
• Semipalmated Plover: 1
• Dunlin: 1,750
• Western Sandpiper: 780
• Least Sandpiper: 1
• Red Knot: 5
• Dowitcher spp.: 19
• Yellowlegs spp.: 6
• Whimbrel: 8
• Unknown Shorebirds (MMI): 2,300
GH Shorebird Survey Report – April 17, 2026
Time: 11:18 AM – 3:48 PM • High Tide: 9.8 ft @ 2:18 PM (Aberdeen)
Surveyors: RM (Training JCB, DL, EB, JL, CL)
A total of 12,283 shorebirds were recorded, driven by a large concentration of Dunlin (10,800). Western Sandpiper (1,200) and Whimbrel (34) were also present in good numbers.
Tides again exceeded ~9.0 ft, limiting available mudflat habitat and concentrating birds into dense roosts. Large flocks were observed moving together between roost sites, with occasional tight group formations as birds shifted positions.
Species Counts:
• Black-bellied Plover: 214
• Dunlin: 10,800
• Western Sandpiper: 1,200
• Red Knot: 3
• Dowitcher spp.: 9
• Yellowlegs spp.: 23
• Whimbrel: 34
GH Shorebird Survey Report – April 19, 2026
Time: 12:59 PM – 5:14 PM • High Tide: 9.4 ft @ 3:59 PM (Aberdeen)
Surveyor: JG
A total of 11,188 shorebirds were observed. Dunlin (8,700) remained dominant, with increasing numbers of Western Sandpiper (2,260).
The tide reached ~9.4 ft and ran slightly higher (0.3 ft) than predicted. As a result, birds were compressed into roosting areas, with large, cohesive flocks forming and shifting across the landscape.
Species Counts:
• Black-bellied Plover: 93
• Semipalmated Plover: 72
• Dunlin: 8,700
• Western Sandpiper: 2,260
• Least Sandpiper: 6
• Red Knot: 10
• Dowitcher spp.: 10
• Yellowlegs spp.: 11
• Whimbrel: 26
GH Shorebird Survey Report – April 21, 2026
Time: 3:48 PM – 6:48 PM • High Tide: 8.6 ft @ 5:48 PM (Aberdeen)
Surveyors: DL, JCB
A total of 50,295 shorebirds were recorded—the highest count of the survey period. Dunlin (34,600) and Western Sandpiper (15,500) dominated, with strong numbers of Dowitchers (124).
Although the predicted tide was lower, actual water levels reached ~9.2 ft (0.6 ft higher than predicted). Birds were widespread and everywhere across the mudflat
These conditions—combined with evening timing—created excellent viewing opportunities, with birds often packed tightly and moving in coordinated groups.
Species Counts:
• Black-bellied Plover: 42
• Semipalmated Plover: 23
• Dunlin: 34,600
• Western Sandpiper: 15,500
• Red Knot: 124
• Dowitcher spp.: 124
• Yellowlegs spp.: 6
GH Shorebird Survey Report – April 24, 2026
Time: 5:45 AM – 9:00 AM • High Tide: 8.9 ft @ 7:14 AM (Aberdeen)
Surveyor: RJM
An estimated 17,531 shorebirds were observed. Western Sandpiper (9,000) and Dunlin (6,000) dominated, with strong numbers of Semipalmated Plover (500) and Red Knot (230).
The tide reached above 9.0 ft and was approximately 0.5 ft higher than prediction . Birds were highly concentrated and roosting close to the boardwalk, providing excellent viewing opportunities.
Survey conditions were initially challenging due to low light and elevated tides, but at sunrise, large flocks formed dense aggregations, with frequent movement and shifting groups as birds adjusted to changing light and water levels. Peak migration is in progress, with high diversity and abundance across species.
Species Counts:
- • Black-bellied Plover: 157
- • Semipalmated Plover: 500
- • Dunlin: 6,000
- • Western Sandpiper: 9,000
- • Least Sandpiper: 30
- • Red Knot: 230
- • Dowitcher spp.: 84
- • Yellowlegs spp.: 16
- • Whimbrel: 14
- • Unknown Shorebirds: 1,500
Other Notable observations: Bald Eagle (1) and Orange crowned warblers
GH Shorebird Survey Report – April 26, 2026
Time: 7:55 AM – 10:55 AM • High Tide: 8.3 ft @ 9:50 AM (Aberdeen)
Surveyors: DL
A total of 19,678 shorebirds were recorded. Western Sandpiper (15,300) dominated.
Survey conditions were initially limited by fog, but visibility improved through the morning, allowing for accurate counts.
Species Counts:
● Black-bellied Plover: 189
● Semipalmated Plover: 184
● Western Sandpiper: 15,300
● Dunlin: 3,900
● Red Knot: 20
● Dowitcher (sp.): 67
● Yellowlegs (sp.): 2
● Whimbrel: 16
GH Shorebird Survey Report – April 27, 2026
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM • High Tide: 8.3 ft @ 10:58 AM (Aberdeen), approximately 0.2 ft higher than predicted.
Surveyors: RM, JB
A total of 34,244 shorebirds were recorded. Western Sandpiper (18,200) and Dunlin (13,800) dominated.
Despite challenging early conditions, elevated tides concentrated shorebirds along the boardwalk, resulting in excellent viewing opportunities and the highest diversity observed so far this season. Peak migration is continuing!
- Species Counts:
● Black-bellied Plover: 225
● Semipalmated Plover: 81
● Western Sandpiper: 18,200
● Dunlin: 13,800
● Red Knot: 694
● Dowitcher (sp.): 225
● Yellowlegs (sp.): 3
● Whimbrel: 13- Marbled Godwit: 1
- Long-billed Curlew: 1
- Unknown shorebirds: 1,000
