Coastal birding habitat

National Lakeshore - Portugal Cove South

Newfoundland and Labrador · Canada

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

May-October

About This Location

National Lakeshore - Portugal Cove South is a productive birding destination in Newfoundland and Labrador, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Northern Saw-whet Owl, Common Eider, and Long-tailed Duck among many others. Boreal and temperate forests host breeding warblers, sparrows, and waterfowl during the productive summer months.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

8/23/2026Trepassey--Powles Head10 observed

Surf Scoter

Melanitta perspicillata

8/23/2026Trepassey--Powles Head5 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

8/23/2026Trepassey--West side1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

8/23/2026NL--Biscay Bay1 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

8/22/2026Trepassey--Main townsite and Lower Coast1 observed

Prairie Warbler

Setophaga discolor

8/18/2026Cape Race Rd--Thimble cove1 observed

Common Ringed Plover

Charadrius hiaticula

8/16/2026NL--Chance Cove PP1 observed

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

8/13/2026Bristol Cove Trail1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Green-winged Teal

58/22/2026

White-winged Scoter

168/22/2026

Semipalmated Plover

28/22/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

18/22/2026

White-rumped Sandpiper

68/22/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

28/22/2026

Razorbill

78/22/2026

American Herring Gull

78/22/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

18/22/2026

Common Tern

28/22/2026

Common Loon

128/22/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

28/22/2026

Blue Jay

28/22/2026

American Crow

48/22/2026

House Sparrow

18/22/2026

American Goldfinch

18/22/2026

Savannah Sparrow

58/22/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

38/18/2026

Black-bellied Plover

28/14/2026

Northern Gannet

28/14/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Peak breeding season runs from late May through June for most songbirds.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit National Lakeshore - Portugal Cove South for birding?
The best months to visit National Lakeshore - Portugal Cove South for birding are May-October. The best seasons are Spring and Summer and Fall.
What birds can I see at National Lakeshore - Portugal Cove South?
Notable species at National Lakeshore - Portugal Cove South include Northern Saw-whet Owl, Common Eider, Long-tailed Duck, Red-breasted Merganser, Black Guillemot. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at National Lakeshore - Portugal Cove South?
Birding at National Lakeshore - Portugal Cove South is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at National Lakeshore - Portugal Cove South?
National Lakeshore - Portugal Cove South offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.