Coastal birding habitat

Cannon Beach

Oregon · West

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

March-May, September-November

About This Location

Cannon Beach is a productive birding destination in Oregon, with 231 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, and Mallard among many others. The diverse terrain supports both resident specialties and Pacific Flyway migrants throughout the year.

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

Green-winged Teal (Eurasian)

Anas crecca

4/16/2026Astoria Airport puddles & pastures1 observed

Hermit Warbler

Setophaga occidentalis

4/15/2026Cougar Valley State Park--Lost Creek trail1 observed

Western Flycatcher (Pacific-slope)

Empidonax difficilis

4/15/2026Cougar Valley State Park--Lost Creek trail2 observed

Merlin (Taiga)

Falco columbarius

4/11/2026Capps Road off Youngs River Rd1 observed

Lesser Goldfinch

Spinus psaltria

4/9/2026Seaside home1 observed

Short-billed Dowitcher

Limnodromus griseus

4/7/2026Necanicum Estuary Natural History Park2 observed

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreus

4/7/2026Sunset Beach auto access to Peter Iredale wreck auto access linear survey1 observed

Long-billed Curlew

Numenius americanus

4/7/2026Sunset Beach auto access to Peter Iredale wreck auto access linear survey1 observed

Palm Warbler

Setophaga palmarum

4/6/2026Cannon Beach Settling Ponds1 observed

Heermann's Gull

Larus heermanni

4/5/2026Cannon Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Western Gull

74/16/2026

Brown Pelican

34/16/2026

Bald Eagle

24/16/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

24/16/2026

Common Murre

15004/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

34/15/2026

Harlequin Duck

84/12/2026

Surf Scoter

204/12/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

24/12/2026

Black Turnstone

54/12/2026

Surfbird

154/12/2026

Pigeon Guillemot

74/12/2026

Canada Goose

14/12/2026

Black Oystercatcher

74/12/2026

Least Sandpiper

74/12/2026

Western Sandpiper

54/12/2026

American Herring Gull

44/12/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

114/12/2026

American Crow

64/12/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

14/12/2026

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

    Early mornings provide the best light and bird activity along the coast.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cannon Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Cannon Beach for birding are March-May, September-November. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cannon Beach?
Notable species at Cannon Beach include Northern Shoveler, Gadwall, Mallard, Lesser Scaup, Surf Scoter. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cannon Beach?
Birding at Cannon Beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Cannon Beach?
Cannon Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.