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

Short-eared Owl

Asio flammeus

6/19/2026Cape Race Rd--Freshwater River1 observed

Red-throated Loon

Gavia stellata

6/17/2026Trepassey--Main townsite and Lower Coast5 observed

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

6/15/2026Trepassey--Powles Head Rd1 observed

Iceland Gull

Larus glaucoides

6/15/2026Trepassey--Powles Head Rd1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-winged Scoter

96/18/2026

Black-legged Kittiwake

1506/18/2026

American Herring Gull

226/18/2026

Great Black-backed Gull

16/18/2026

Common Loon

46/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

146/18/2026

Belted Kingfisher

16/18/2026

Canada Goose

26/17/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

16/17/2026

Black Guillemot

36/17/2026

Black-headed Gull

16/17/2026

Ring-billed Gull

306/17/2026

Common Tern

86/17/2026

Northern Gannet

46/17/2026

American Crow

46/17/2026

Common Raven

16/17/2026

Tree Swallow

36/17/2026

Savannah Sparrow

26/17/2026

American Robin

46/12/2026

House Sparrow

76/12/2026

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.