The bays and estuaries of the Pacific Northwest coastline are prime birdwatching locations in fall and winter. These brackish water zones, where salt and fresh water mingle, support a multitude of migrating, seasonal and year-round species. Migratory water birds such as Harlequin Ducks, Buffleheads, and Common, Pacific and Yellow-billed Loons begin to arrive after spending the summer breeding season in Canada and Alaska.
Other fall and winter visitors include Scoters, Scaups, Goldeneyes, Grebes, and Mergansers. Year-round residents - the Great Blue Heron, Pied-billed Grebe, Common Merganser, Wood Duck, American Coot, Double-crested and Brandt's Cormorants, and that adorable little dabbler, the Green-winged Teal - provide the opportunity for waterbird watching regardless of the season, and Osprey and Bald Eagles commonly soar overhead. Though Brown Pelicans generally migrate southward for the winter, the past two years have seen many individuals forgoing the seasonal trip; they will likely be observable on the Northwest coast deep into the winter season.
The most earnest birdwatchers will want to invest in a scope with a tripod, but a pair of good binoculars will typically get you zoomed in enough to spot birds' distinguishing features. A field guide with detailed illustrations or photographs proves invaluable for species identification, supplying info on the calls and behaviors of the birds as well as their characteristic appearances. Of course, always take care to avoid disturbing your subjects - if they seem to be flying away from you, you're either too close or too noisy, so please adjust your behavior accordingly. With gentle patience and a bit of luck, you'll discover an avian wonderland on the bays and estuaries of the Northwest Coast.
Waterbird Wonderland
Published: 09/27/2010 Updated: 08/06/2019

Common Snipe
photo by Gary Hayes
Bays and estuaries of the Northwest Coast teem with avifauna. All you need is a pair of binoculars, a field guide and perhaps a little patience.
SPONSORED LINKS
Featured Destination
Oregon’s walkable, bikeable, lovable beach town with lots to see and do. It’s easy to Seaside.
Activities & Attractions
Cannon Beach’s 20th Annual Spring Unveiling will be a virtual event presented by video June 27.
Lincoln City Activities & Attractions
Demonstration and hands-on style recreational cooking classes.
Published: 09/27/2010 Updated: 08/06/2019

Common Snipe
photo by Gary Hayes
Bays and estuaries of the Northwest Coast teem with avifauna. All you need is a pair of binoculars, a field guide and perhaps a little patience.
The bays and estuaries of the Pacific Northwest coastline are prime birdwatching locations in fall and winter. These brackish water zones, where salt and fresh water mingle, support a multitude of migrating, seasonal and year-round species. Migratory water birds such as Harlequin Ducks, Buffleheads, and Common, Pacific and Yellow-billed Loons begin to arrive after spending the summer breeding season in Canada and Alaska.
Other fall and winter visitors include Scoters, Scaups, Goldeneyes, Grebes, and Mergansers. Year-round residents - the Great Blue Heron, Pied-billed Grebe, Common Merganser, Wood Duck, American Coot, Double-crested and Brandt's Cormorants, and that adorable little dabbler, the Green-winged Teal - provide the opportunity for waterbird watching regardless of the season, and Osprey and Bald Eagles commonly soar overhead. Though Brown Pelicans generally migrate southward for the winter, the past two years have seen many individuals forgoing the seasonal trip; they will likely be observable on the Northwest coast deep into the winter season.
The most earnest birdwatchers will want to invest in a scope with a tripod, but a pair of good binoculars will typically get you zoomed in enough to spot birds' distinguishing features. A field guide with detailed illustrations or photographs proves invaluable for species identification, supplying info on the calls and behaviors of the birds as well as their characteristic appearances. Of course, always take care to avoid disturbing your subjects - if they seem to be flying away from you, you're either too close or too noisy, so please adjust your behavior accordingly. With gentle patience and a bit of luck, you'll discover an avian wonderland on the bays and estuaries of the Northwest Coast.
Other fall and winter visitors include Scoters, Scaups, Goldeneyes, Grebes, and Mergansers. Year-round residents - the Great Blue Heron, Pied-billed Grebe, Common Merganser, Wood Duck, American Coot, Double-crested and Brandt's Cormorants, and that adorable little dabbler, the Green-winged Teal - provide the opportunity for waterbird watching regardless of the season, and Osprey and Bald Eagles commonly soar overhead. Though Brown Pelicans generally migrate southward for the winter, the past two years have seen many individuals forgoing the seasonal trip; they will likely be observable on the Northwest coast deep into the winter season.
The most earnest birdwatchers will want to invest in a scope with a tripod, but a pair of good binoculars will typically get you zoomed in enough to spot birds' distinguishing features. A field guide with detailed illustrations or photographs proves invaluable for species identification, supplying info on the calls and behaviors of the birds as well as their characteristic appearances. Of course, always take care to avoid disturbing your subjects - if they seem to be flying away from you, you're either too close or too noisy, so please adjust your behavior accordingly. With gentle patience and a bit of luck, you'll discover an avian wonderland on the bays and estuaries of the Northwest Coast.
This dramatic seashore monolith offers habitat for nesting seabirds including tufted puffins and at its base colorful tidepools are filled with fascinating creatures. Cannon... [read more]
Newport's Yaquina Bay Lighthouse is still a guiding light. On a wooden bluff overlooking the mouth of Newport bay sits the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse... [read more]
Seaside's Broadway Street, Prom and Turnaround have attracted visitors to Oregon's original coastal resort town since the 1920s, but their history goes back even... [read more]
SPONSORED LINKS
Featured Destination
Click to read about how to love Cannon Beach like a local. There is magic here!
Activities & Attractions
Cannon Beach’s 20th Annual Spring Unveiling will be a virtual event presented by video June 27.
Lincoln City Activities & Attractions
Classes in a variety of mediums, gallery exhibits, musical performances, theater and festivals.
Cannon Beach Activities & Attractions
Sample Cannon Beach’s award winning Puffin wines. Enjoy with a cheese or charcuterie board.