The Peregrine Falcon is a distinctive bird of prey with its white speckled chest. It is known as the fastest animal on earth, capable of reaching speeds up to 200 mph as it dives for food. Its habitat ranges from the Arctic Tundra to the Baja tropics, and this elusive bird can be seen at many locations along the Oregon Coast.
Fall and winter months offer the best viewing opportunities. Peregrines frequent coastal cliffs and estuaries, seeking their primary food source - other birds. Peregrines were once on the brink of extinction, but are now on the rebound. In 1998, 1650 pairs were counted and it was removed from the endangered species list.
Peregrines mate for life and one of the best places to view breeding pairs is at Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge, located along the Three Capes Scenic Route, approximately 10 miles west of Tillamook, Oregon. Other great locations for viewing these birds include Ecola State Park and Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, Bay Ocean Spit at Tillamook Bay and Fort Stevens State Park at the mouth of the Columbia River. For more information visit www.oregoncoastbirding.com.
The Peregrine Falcon is Built for Speed
Published: 02/05/2012 Updated: 08/08/2019

Photo by Neal Maine
Soaring along the bluffs and jetties of the Oregon Coast, the Peregrine Falcon is a breathtaking sight to behold.
SPONSORED LINKS
Featured Destination
Click to read about how to love Cannon Beach like a local. There is magic here!
Cannon Beach Activities & Attractions
Authentic Finnish sauna, professional therapeutic massages, acupuncture and aromatherapy services.
Cannon Beach Activities & Attractions
Discover the hidden treasures of Cannon Beach at this museum, where history comes to life!
Published: 02/05/2012 Updated: 08/08/2019

Photo by Neal Maine
Soaring along the bluffs and jetties of the Oregon Coast, the Peregrine Falcon is a breathtaking sight to behold.
The Peregrine Falcon is a distinctive bird of prey with its white speckled chest. It is known as the fastest animal on earth, capable of reaching speeds up to 200 mph as it dives for food. Its habitat ranges from the Arctic Tundra to the Baja tropics, and this elusive bird can be seen at many locations along the Oregon Coast.
Fall and winter months offer the best viewing opportunities. Peregrines frequent coastal cliffs and estuaries, seeking their primary food source - other birds. Peregrines were once on the brink of extinction, but are now on the rebound. In 1998, 1650 pairs were counted and it was removed from the endangered species list.
Peregrines mate for life and one of the best places to view breeding pairs is at Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge, located along the Three Capes Scenic Route, approximately 10 miles west of Tillamook, Oregon. Other great locations for viewing these birds include Ecola State Park and Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, Bay Ocean Spit at Tillamook Bay and Fort Stevens State Park at the mouth of the Columbia River. For more information visit www.oregoncoastbirding.com.
Fall and winter months offer the best viewing opportunities. Peregrines frequent coastal cliffs and estuaries, seeking their primary food source - other birds. Peregrines were once on the brink of extinction, but are now on the rebound. In 1998, 1650 pairs were counted and it was removed from the endangered species list.
Peregrines mate for life and one of the best places to view breeding pairs is at Cape Meares National Wildlife Refuge, located along the Three Capes Scenic Route, approximately 10 miles west of Tillamook, Oregon. Other great locations for viewing these birds include Ecola State Park and Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, Bay Ocean Spit at Tillamook Bay and Fort Stevens State Park at the mouth of the Columbia River. For more information visit www.oregoncoastbirding.com.
Fort Clatsop offers guided tours and historical demonstrations representing Lewis & Clark's discoveries on the coast. Explore a replica of the historical 1805... [read more]
Follow the footsteps of the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery for a well-rounded glimpse into their mission, triumphs and challenges. Six separate sites—two... [read more]
Relax and enjoy the breathtaking beauty of Cannon Beach where oceanfront resorts offer luxurious retreats, romantic getaways or family fun. Vacation rental homes, boutique... [read more]
SPONSORED LINKS
Featured Destination
Click to read about how to love Cannon Beach like a local. There is magic here!
Astoria Activities & Attractions
The visitor center features a replica of Fort Clatsop, ranger programs and hiking trails.
Astoria Activities & Attractions
Located in the jail from The Goonies, explore the production of more than 300 movies made in Oregon.
Cannon Beach Activities & Attractions
Authentic Finnish sauna, professional therapeutic massages, acupuncture and aromatherapy services.