Features
American Coots
Have you ever heard of the Toledo Mud Hens minor league baseball team? Ever wonder what a mud hen is? We’ve got an answer for you.
American Coots
Black-billed Magpie
The drama queens of the high desert, if the desert had a reality show, magpies would be the stars, constantly insisting on being the center of attention.
Black-billed Magpies
Ospreys
If you’ve got water, there’s a good chance you’ve got an osprey, or “fish hawk.” Lucky you.
Ospreys
Want to see more wildlife?
Want to see more animals on your trip to Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge? Here are some tips from the "experts."
Watching WildlifeAbout the Complex
The Mid-Columbia River Refuges are eight refuges within the Columbia Basin.
McNary is managed as part of the Mid-Columbia River National Wildlife Refuge Complex.
Learn more about the complex About the NWRS
The National Wildlife Refuge System, within the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, manages a national network of lands and waters set aside to conserve America’s fish, wildlife, and plants.
Learn more about the NWRS
Of Special Interest
Based on this user feedback, the Refuge will modify hunt regulations for the Millet and
Woodland ponds on the Wallula Unit of McNary NWR. The entire Wallula Unit has heretofore
been open to waterfowl hunting in accordance with State regulations regarding hunt days and
shooting hours. For the 2016-17 season, waterfowl hunting on the Millet and Woodland ponds
will close daily at 12:00 pm (noon). This closure time will not apply to the remainder of the
Wallula Unit, which will continue to follow standard state regulations for shooting hours.
Wallula Hunting Changes
October 28, 2016Scared of spiders? Terrified of toads? Bewitched by bats? You shouldn't be, and we're happy to tell you why. Join us at for Screech At The Reach at the Hanford Reach Interpretive Center (1943 Columbia Park Trail, Kennewick) to explore the myths and truths about the creatures of Halloween. Adults, you'll want to be there at 5:30 p.m. sharp–that's when we'll have a lecture about these scary denizens of the night. Immediately after that (6:15), we'll have tables set up for kids to construct clothespin bats, dissect owl pellets, make owl masks, or stroke a wolf pelt. Blue Mountain Wildlife will be on hand with live owls, and there will be spiders and snakes and scorpions. Experts will be on hand to talk about these creatures, or the Monument itself. The Reach will be open until 8:00 p.m. Normal admission fees apply, but if you bring a canned good for Second Harvest, you'll get $2 off the admission fee. Remember, 5:30 p.m. sharp!
The clowns of the bird world, on land pelicans are goofy looking with their large orange-red bills, waddle and over-sized feet. Most of the time it looks like they forgot to comb their feathers. But put them in the air, and they become graceful and even elegant as they glide along in search of food.
Learn more
Page Photo Credits — Gray Squirrel - Chuck and Grace Bartlett, American Coot - J. Michael Raby, Black-billed Magpie - Chuck and Grace Bartlett, White Pelican - Ingrid Taylar
Last Updated: Sep 19, 2016