For bird watchers, annual migrations offer the best chance to see rare or exotic birds. As they travel either north or south, depending on the season, humans can spy unusual birds, often in large flocks. One of the four largest shorebird staging areas in North America, the Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge in Hoquiam, WA offers an experience to inspire awe in even the most casual nature lover.
This town is home to the Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is known for its bird watching opportunities, especially during the spring migration. At this time, hundreds of thousands of birds stop at the wildlife refuge to eat and rest before continuing their trip to the Arctic. Over three hundred different species of birds can be spotted, some from as far away as South America.
The refuge is important because it is what is called a staging area for migrating shorebirds. Birds traveling between the Arctic and their southern habitats stop at the mudflats to feed and rest before continuing their journey. Some of the birds have traveled to Washington from as far away as Argentina. For many birdwatchers, the refuge offers a chance to see very exotic birds.
For a glimpse into another part of town life in early Hoquiam, one must visit the 7th Street Theatre. Originally built in 1928, the theater once offered vaudeville acts and was the first theater in Washington capable of showing the innovative "talkie" movies. The theater was designed to look like a Spanish garden, including a ceiling painted to resemble the sky with lights as stars. Within the past 25 years, the theater has been lovingly restored. Now, visitors can watch classic movies and concerts while surrounded by old fashioned splendor.
The spring is the best viewing season as visitors can see sandpipers, falcons, dowitchers, dunlin, and red knots, as well as many other birds. In winter, birds spotted include geese, ducks, and hawks. The best viewing times at the wildlife refuge is from two hours before to two hours after high tide.
In fact, the bird watching is so awe inspiring at Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge that the town of Hoquiam has established the annual Shorebird Festival. During this fair, visitors can attend lectures and receptions, shop at a bird related market, and participate in an auction. Several field trips around the area take place during the week to educate people about shorebirds and their habitat. The Shorebird Festival takes place during the spring migration and is a great time to share with others with similar interests. Bird lists are available to help visitors spot and identify various species.
At that point, the home was abandoned. Finally, in the late 1960's new owners took possession of the Castle and began restorations. Throughout the rest of the century, the Castle went through a series of owners and restorations. Finally, the home was turned into a bed and breakfast. Visitors can still stay at the Castle, enjoying the comforts of a time long past.
Washington State is rich in natural beauty. Everyone from a casual observer to the hardiest nature lover can find something to enjoy. The shorebird migration is the high point of the year for the outdoorsman in Hoquiam, and the sight of hundreds of thousands of birds should not be missed.
This town is home to the Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge. This refuge is known for its bird watching opportunities, especially during the spring migration. At this time, hundreds of thousands of birds stop at the wildlife refuge to eat and rest before continuing their trip to the Arctic. Over three hundred different species of birds can be spotted, some from as far away as South America.
The refuge is important because it is what is called a staging area for migrating shorebirds. Birds traveling between the Arctic and their southern habitats stop at the mudflats to feed and rest before continuing their journey. Some of the birds have traveled to Washington from as far away as Argentina. For many birdwatchers, the refuge offers a chance to see very exotic birds.
For a glimpse into another part of town life in early Hoquiam, one must visit the 7th Street Theatre. Originally built in 1928, the theater once offered vaudeville acts and was the first theater in Washington capable of showing the innovative "talkie" movies. The theater was designed to look like a Spanish garden, including a ceiling painted to resemble the sky with lights as stars. Within the past 25 years, the theater has been lovingly restored. Now, visitors can watch classic movies and concerts while surrounded by old fashioned splendor.
The spring is the best viewing season as visitors can see sandpipers, falcons, dowitchers, dunlin, and red knots, as well as many other birds. In winter, birds spotted include geese, ducks, and hawks. The best viewing times at the wildlife refuge is from two hours before to two hours after high tide.
In fact, the bird watching is so awe inspiring at Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge that the town of Hoquiam has established the annual Shorebird Festival. During this fair, visitors can attend lectures and receptions, shop at a bird related market, and participate in an auction. Several field trips around the area take place during the week to educate people about shorebirds and their habitat. The Shorebird Festival takes place during the spring migration and is a great time to share with others with similar interests. Bird lists are available to help visitors spot and identify various species.
At that point, the home was abandoned. Finally, in the late 1960's new owners took possession of the Castle and began restorations. Throughout the rest of the century, the Castle went through a series of owners and restorations. Finally, the home was turned into a bed and breakfast. Visitors can still stay at the Castle, enjoying the comforts of a time long past.
Washington State is rich in natural beauty. Everyone from a casual observer to the hardiest nature lover can find something to enjoy. The shorebird migration is the high point of the year for the outdoorsman in Hoquiam, and the sight of hundreds of thousands of birds should not be missed.
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