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

Loading map...

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

Semipalmated Sandpiper

Calidris pusilla

5/30/2026Ona Beach SP1 observed

Manx Shearwater

Puffinus puffinus

5/30/2026Boiler Bay State Wayside1 observed

Short-billed Gull

Larus brachyrhynchus

5/29/2026Alsea Bay--Boat Docks1 observed

Forster's Tern

Sterna forsteri

5/27/2026Mark Hatfield Marine Science Center and Estuary Trail1 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

5/22/2026Coast Park, Newport US-OR (44.6355,-124.0616)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Surf Scoter

306/1/2026

Black-bellied Plover

36/1/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

36/1/2026

Pigeon Guillemot

16/1/2026

Common Murre

26/1/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

116/1/2026

Western Gull

56/1/2026

California Gull

126/1/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

16/1/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

36/1/2026

Great Egret

36/1/2026

Great Blue Heron

86/1/2026

Brown Pelican

66/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

26/1/2026

American Crow

26/1/2026

Tree Swallow

16/1/2026

Purple Martin

86/1/2026

Barn Swallow

36/1/2026

European Starling

76/1/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

36/1/2026

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.