Coastal birding habitat

Sunset Beach Recreation Area

Oregon · West

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

March-May, September-November

About This Location

Sunset Beach Recreation Area is a productive birding destination in Oregon, with 204 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Sanderling, Western Gull, and Glaucous Gull 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

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

6/1/2026Fort Stevens SP--South Jetty/Parking Area C3 observed

Heermann's Gull

Larus heermanni

5/31/2026Fort Stevens SP--South Jetty/Parking Area C10 observed

Buller's Shearwater

Ardenna bulleri

5/30/2026Fort Stevens SP--South Jetty/Parking Area C1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

5/30/2026Fort Stevens SP--Parking Area D1 observed

Ancient Murrelet

Synthliboramphus antiquus

5/30/2026Fort Stevens SP--South Jetty/Parking Area C4 observed

Marbled Murrelet

Brachyramphus marmoratus

5/30/2026Fort Stevens SP--South Jetty/Parking Area C2 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

5/30/2026Fort Stevens SP--South Jetty/Parking Area C1 observed

Manx Shearwater

Puffinus puffinus

5/29/2026South Jetty of the Columbia River seawatch near observation tower1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Snowy Plover

25/26/2026

Red-necked Phalarope

25/26/2026

Sanderling

335/26/2026

Western Gull

45/26/2026

American Crow

15/26/2026

Barn Swallow

35/26/2026

Cedar Waxwing

25/26/2026

Band-tailed Pigeon

165/26/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/26/2026

California Gull

185/26/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/26/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

15/26/2026

Northern Flicker

15/26/2026

Olive-sided Flycatcher

35/26/2026

Western Flycatcher

25/26/2026

Steller's Jay

25/26/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

35/26/2026

Violet-green Swallow

55/26/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

25/26/2026

Pacific Wren

15/26/2026

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 Sunset Beach Recreation Area for birding?
The best months to visit Sunset Beach Recreation Area for birding are March-May, September-November. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Sunset Beach Recreation Area?
Notable species at Sunset Beach Recreation Area include Sanderling, Western Gull, Glaucous Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid). The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sunset Beach Recreation Area?
Birding at Sunset Beach Recreation Area is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Sunset Beach Recreation Area?
Sunset Beach Recreation Area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.