Birds at Ridgefield

	Blackbirds The spring is the best time for blackbird viewing, as not only are the male redwings actively displaying and singing to impress their potential mates, but yellow-headed blackbirds appear at the refuge as well.		Pied-billed Grebes Pied-billed grebes are common at the refuge. They don’t exist in large numbers like some of the other waterfowl, but they can be seen pretty much anywhere along the auto tour route at the River ‘S’ Unit.
	Great Blue Herons The auto tour route is an excellent place to get close views of great blue herons. You can watch them hunt at close distance in the fields and ponds from the convenience of your car.		Birds of Prey All of the wildlife refuges in this part of the Pacific Northwest provide a good opportunity to see raptors, especially in the winter. Ridgefield offers good views of its hawks and eagles, from the small kestrel to the majestic bald eagle.
	Shovelers Winter provides a great opportunity to view these lovely ducks at close range on the auto tour.		Sparrows Savannah and song sparrows can be easily seen singing either on the auto tour or on the Kiwa Trail.
	Swallows Tree, barn, and cliff swallows put on an aerial display over the marshes in the springtime.		Waterfowl #1 The auto tour route at the River ‘S’ Unit is an excellent place to watch waterfowl, particularly during the winter. Because you stay in your car, the birds allow a much closer approach than if you were on foot.
	Waterfowl #2 The first waterfowl gallery got large enough that I’ve split it up into two galleries.		Other Birds With a variety of terrain, the refuge is a good place to watch for birds of the marsh, meadows, and forests.