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

Red Crossbill (Douglas-fir or type 4)

Loxia curvirostra

7/14/2026Cannon Beach Settling Ponds1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

7/13/2026Seaside Cove1 observed

Ancient Murrelet

Synthliboramphus antiquus

7/10/2026Fort Stevens SP--South Jetty/Parking Area C2 observed

Marbled Murrelet

Brachyramphus marmoratus

7/10/2026Fort Stevens SP--South Jetty/Parking Area C2 observed

Red Crossbill (Sitka Spruce or type 10)

Loxia curvirostra

7/9/2026Cannon beach shops1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Brown Pelican

47/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/15/2026

Steller's Jay

17/15/2026

American Crow

27/15/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

17/15/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

17/15/2026

Barn Swallow

67/15/2026

Red-breasted Nuthatch

17/15/2026

Swainson's Thrush

17/15/2026

Cedar Waxwing

37/15/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

17/13/2026

California Gull

17/13/2026

Cooper's Hawk

17/13/2026

Belted Kingfisher

17/13/2026

Northern Flicker

37/13/2026

Olive-sided Flycatcher

27/13/2026

Tree Swallow

17/13/2026

Violet-green Swallow

77/13/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

37/13/2026

European Starling

47/13/2026

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.