green grass under blue sky and white clouds during daytime

Mark Hatfield Marine Science Center and Estuary Trail

Oregon · West

Habitat
Estuary
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

March-May, September-November

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

About This Location

Mark Hatfield Marine Science Center and Estuary Trail is a productive birding destination in Oregon, with 272 species recorded on eBird. This estuary habitat attracts American Wigeon, Mallard, and Green-winged Teal 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

Northern Mockingbird

Mimus polyglottos

4/6/2026Unnamed Road between SE 40th and 42nd Streets, South Beach1 observed

Townsend's Solitaire

Myadestes townsendi

4/4/2026Euchre Mountain1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/15/2026

Cinnamon Teal

14/15/2026

Green-winged Teal

404/15/2026

Surf Scoter

244/15/2026

Bufflehead

304/15/2026

Rock Pigeon

34/15/2026

Black-bellied Plover

404/15/2026

Semipalmated Plover

14/15/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

64/15/2026

Long-billed Curlew

14/15/2026

Marbled Godwit

144/15/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

14/15/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

44/15/2026

Black Turnstone

14/15/2026

Dunlin

204/15/2026

Western Sandpiper

404/15/2026

Common Murre

24/15/2026

Short-billed Gull

14/15/2026

Ring-billed Gull

44/15/2026

Western Gull

44/15/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Time your visit around low tide for the best shorebird viewing.

  2. 2

    Scan open mudflats and salt marsh edges for rails and herons.

  3. 3

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

  4. 4

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Mark Hatfield Marine Science Center and Estuary Trail for birding?
The best months to visit Mark Hatfield Marine Science Center and Estuary Trail for birding are March-May, September-November. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Mark Hatfield Marine Science Center and Estuary Trail?
Notable species at Mark Hatfield Marine Science Center and Estuary Trail include American Wigeon, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Bald Eagle, Greater Scaup, Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye, Common Merganser, Western Grebe, Common Loon, Double-crested Cormorant. The area supports estuary habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mark Hatfield Marine Science Center and Estuary Trail?
Birding at Mark Hatfield Marine Science Center and Estuary Trail is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Mark Hatfield Marine Science Center and Estuary Trail?
There is no entrance fee at Mark Hatfield Marine Science Center and Estuary Trail. Hours: Open daily, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
What amenities are available at Mark Hatfield Marine Science Center and Estuary Trail?
Mark Hatfield Marine Science Center and Estuary Trail offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.