LONG BEACH – Supported by a grant from the North American Nature Photography Association, volunteers from Friends of Willapa National Wildlife Refuge installed a photography blind for public use at the Tarlett Slough unit off Sandridge Road near Long Beach.

Wildlife photography enthusiasts can schedule use of this new facility, located off Lone Fir Cemetery Road, through the Willapa Refuge Headquarters.

“This photography blind is the first of its kind in Pacific County and we hope the community of wildlife photographers will enjoy the excellent viewing of marsh and forest edge areas,” said Charlie Stenvall, project leader of the Willapa NWR. “Access to this blind will not interfere with the birds natural behavior, and the birds’ need for protected habitat will not be impacted.”

Active birders and volunteers from the Friends of Willapa National Wildlife Refuge and Charlie Stenvall selected the site, which will offer a seasonal view of migratory ducks and geese in the winter and, in the early spring, will attract some shorebirds from the bay. Special thanks go to Jeff Collins who generously constructed the wildlife photo blind.

The Willapa NWR is home to many of the 300 bird species found in Pacific County, including scores of migrating shorebirds and waterfowl species that depend upon the mudflats and tidelands here for food and rest during their spring and fall travels. The Tarlett Slough area, where the blind is located, is at the southernmost reaches of Willapa Bay and attracts the greatest number of migrating species because of its diverse habitat, being near the tidelands with marsh, forest and open grasslands.

The blind is uniquely designed for wildlife photography with narrow openings for camera equipment and not recommended for general wildlife viewing. Telephoto/zoom lenses are strongly recommended to ensure long-distance capture of bird activity. There’s a short hike to the building.

Use is by reservation only. Users must sign in and pick up a key at the Willapa NWR office. The Willapa NWR office is open from 7:30 am to 4:30 p.m. weekdays, and the phone number is 360-484-3482.