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

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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

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

4/13/20263735 Grand Ave, Astoria US-OR 46.19011, -123.801071 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

Heermann's Gull

Larus heermanni

4/7/2026Fort Stevens SP--South Jetty/Parking Area C1 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

American Crow

14/11/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

14/11/2026

Bushtit

14/11/2026

Mallard

44/10/2026

Ring-necked Duck

24/10/2026

Bufflehead

24/10/2026

Rufous Hummingbird

14/10/2026

American Coot

14/10/2026

Western Sandpiper

54/10/2026

Western Gull

24/10/2026

Northern Harrier

14/10/2026

Downy Woodpecker

14/10/2026

Western Bluebird

44/10/2026

American Robin

24/10/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

14/10/2026

Song Sparrow

14/10/2026

Spotted Towhee

24/10/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

24/10/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

34/10/2026

Canada Goose

24/7/2026

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.