Walla Walla County is blessed by its location along the eastern shore of the Columbia River and the south shore of the snake Rover along its northern boundary. Flowing through this historic county are the Walla Walla River and its tributary the Touchet River all of which spring from the spectacular northern Blue Mountains to the east. Elevations within the county range form 340’ above sea level at the Walla Walla River delta to over 5000’ in the Blue Mountains. Even with 70% of this county in important agriculture production there is still enough native habitat to host 325 species of birds. Eleven of these species are introduced non-natives

Spring migration begins by the middle of February as the first Say’s Phoebes, Violet-green Swallows, and Sage Sparrows pull the leading edge of the advancing new season north.

By April and May the rush of hundreds of thousands of birds fill the warm days as they take up territories in preparation for nesting. This county hosts many birds such as American Redstart, Veery, Yellow-breasted Chat and Yellow Warbler that winter in Central and South America and breed here.

The third week of June marks the beginning of Fall migration as the adult shorebirds pass through on their flight from the Arctic to Chile, Argentina, and Peru. Some of these birds fly across the South Pacific and winter on many tiny islands that dot that region.

Fall migration along the Columbia River in western Walla Walla County is spectacular. Visit McNary National Wildlife Refuge and the Walla Walla River delta where Sabines Gull, Parasitic Jaeger, Common Tern and up to 16 species of shorebirds may be present.

During March and April watch for the seven known species of owls that nest here. And up Blue Mountain drainages like Coppei Creek, Upper Dry Creek, Mill Creek, and Blue Creek, large numbers of birds are available from June to September.