BURBANK, Wash. - Fall has already walked through the door and made itself comfortable, but that doesn't mean those who appreciate the outdoors have to stay cooped up inside. 

The tail end of bird migrations are still in progress, and that means there are plenty of opportunities to get out and view fowl flying to their winter grounds, and check out other wildlife as well. 

For example, there is the McNary National Wildlife Refuge, a small refuge located off Highway 12 just outside of Pasco, Washington. Situated on the Burbank Slough, the refuge is a hot spot for bird watchers.

The refuge is friendly for all ages and for those with a diverse interest in wildlife.  You'll want to bring your binoculars, a good wildlife guide book and your desire to enjoy the outdoors.

Education Center

Although still in the process of being finished, the refuge's new 2,300 square foot education center is already being used and offers a chance for student groups to schedule a visit and gain access to materials for educational activities. 

A shrub-step educational garden and extremely large balcony also offer additional tools and resources to learn more about wildlife and the environment.

Bird Blind

In addition to the education center, the refuge also has a bird blind, large observation deck and several small trails for nature walks. 

Their bird blind, located on the edge of the water near the slough, gives wildlife enthusiasts the opportunity to view animals up close without the risk of frightening them. 

The blind features special holes in the walls for cameras and SLR lenses, wide-paned windows for binocular viewers, and pull down sheets which are black to obscure the wildlife's view of people while inside the blind. 

The blind also features a log book for people to record what they saw and when, as well as identification charts located on the walls to help find and identify the various birds and wildlife species. 

Various songbirds, turtles, ducks, and geese all come within feet of the blind, giving spectators an opportunity to be "up close" with the wildlife.

The Wildlife

Although the refuge is small, the number of species present make it a prime location for those who enjoy seeing wildlife in a natural setting.  Here is some of what you can see:

• Wading birds
• Shorebirds
• Geese
• Mallards
• Widgeons
• Shovelers
• Green-winged teals
• Canvasbacks
• Ring-necked ducks
• Kesser scaup ducks
• Turtles
• Deer
• Pheasants
• Bald eagles

Directions

• From Richland, Washington I-182/US-12, head east toward Pasco, WA.
• Stay left at the fork to continue on Highway I-182/US-12.
• Continue as I-182 turns into Highway 12.
• Turn left onto Humorist Rd.
• Turn Left onto Lake Rd.
• Turn Left at the McNary National Wildlife Refuge.
• Google map

Justin Chen is the editor of Northwest Hiking.  An admirer of new sights and locations, his real passion is travel writing and blogging.  In his spare time, he enjoys downhill mountain biking and photography, and is a fanatical lover of the Pacific Northwest.