Columbia National Wildlife Refuge

The Refuge was established for migratory birds and it provides sanctuary areas necessary to protect them. In addition to migratory birds, many other species of wildlife live on the Refuge. Some are year-round residents others are only present in certain seasons. Remember all wildlife on the Refuge is protected.

Threatened and Endangered

Washington ground squirrel

There are a few listed species that reside, at least periodically, on the Refuge. The Bald Eagle has Threatened status under the Endangered Species Act. It occurs on the Refuge during the winter months, using trees and cliffs near water for foraging and resting. The Washington ground squirrel is currently a Federal Candidate Species for listing under the Endangered Species Act. Three colonies are known on the Refuge. Other declining species include Burrowing Owl, Prairie Falcon and Ferruginous Hawk. All of these receive special consideration in all management decisions.

Mammals

Yellow-bellied marmot

There are at least 32 species of mammals on the Refuge. Mammal populations fluctuate seasonally due to hibernation and migration. Coyotes are relatively common but, like the mule deer on the Refuge, are secretive and not often seen by visitors. Look for evidence of their presence from tracks and droppings. Muskrats are common and surprisingly, considering the scarcity of trees, so are beavers. Bobcats and badgers are present but scarce. Perhaps the most conspicuous mammal on the Refuge is the yellow-bellied marmot, often seen sunning itself on warm days on basalt cliffs and among talus slopes.

Birds

Black-crowned night-heron

More than 230 species of birds have been recorded on the Refuge and surrounding lands. The Refuge provides sanctuary areas necessary to protect wintering mallard ducks and, to a smaller extent, cackling Canada geese. Waterfowl populations are highest during the spring and fall when peaks of more than 100,000 birds can occur.

In addition to waterfowl, many other bird species are found on the Refuge. Wetland and riparian woodlands provide habitat for many passerine migrants such as Wilson’s and yellow warblers. Several other passerines nest in the area including yellow-breasted chats and lazuli buntings. Birds associated with the shrub-steppe habitat include common upland species such as the lark sparrow and Washington’s state bird, the western meadow lark.

Lark sparrow

The ledges, cracks and holes that abound in the numerous basalt cliffs provide important nesting habitat for many red-tailed hawks, American kestrels, great horned owls, barn owls, and a few ravens. Great blue herons are frequently seen standing like sentinels at the top of cliffs and rock outcrops near water. Increasing numbers of sandhill cranes visit the Refuge during spring and fall migrations. Northern harriers are common, as are magpies and black-crowned night-herons. Long-billed curlews and American avocets are less common but nest on the Refuge.

Fish

Few fish were present in the area before the Columbia Basin Irrigation Project raised the water table and created seepage from Potholes Reservoir and canals. Other than possibly steelhead trout migrating up Crab Creek, only small non-game fish were previously present. The increase in permanent lakes and wetlands has provided more habitat for fish. Today a wide variety of fish species live in waters on and adjacent to the Refuge. The greatest variety is found in waters directly connected to the Irrigation Project and waters associated with Crab Creek. Other pages contain more information on fisheries management and recreation fishing.

Amphibians

Several amphibians use wet and dry sites on the Refuge. The tiger salamander and northern leopard frog are both sensitive amphibian species that occupy certain Refuge lakes and wetlands, ones mostly devoid of fish. The most common amphibian found on the Refuge is the invasive bull frog.

Reptiles

Be alert! Rattlesnakes, like this one, are often well camouflaged

Numerous species of reptiles live on the Refuge and other than turtles, they are primarily found in upland areas. Reptiles are usually seen only from spring through fall, because they hibernate during the winter. Six species of snakes are found on the Refuge. Five are regularly encountered, including the fairly common western rattlesnake. This snake is most often seen during warm weather, particularly in rocky areas and heavy vegetation. While this snake will usually shy away from encounter, anyone bitten should seek immediate medical attention. It is illegal to kill snakes, including rattlesnakes, on the Refuge.