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

Ancient Murrelet

Synthliboramphus antiquus

7/16/2026Boiler Bay State Wayside5 observed

Short-billed Gull

Larus brachyrhynchus

7/15/2026Nye Beach1 observed

Manx Shearwater

Puffinus puffinus

7/12/2026Boiler Bay State Wayside1 observed

California Quail

Callipepla californica

7/11/20268176 Nashville Road, Eddyville, Oregon, US (44.653, -123.674)1 observed

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted x Red-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

7/9/2026Mark Hatfield Marine Science Center and Estuary Trail1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

7/4/2026Mark Hatfield Marine Science Center and Estuary Trail1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

7/4/2026Beaver Creek Natural Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

27/16/2026

Rock Pigeon

77/16/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

37/16/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

37/16/2026

Least Sandpiper

207/16/2026

Western Sandpiper

407/16/2026

Pigeon Guillemot

17/16/2026

Common Murre

87/16/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

27/16/2026

Western Gull

37/16/2026

California Gull

47/16/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

27/16/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

277/16/2026

Great Egret

37/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

27/16/2026

Bald Eagle

27/16/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/16/2026

Northern Flicker

17/16/2026

American Crow

47/16/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

47/16/2026

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.