Forest birding habitat

Cape Disappointment State Park

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
ForestCoastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cape Disappointment State Park is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 237 species recorded on eBird. This forest and coastal habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. Coastal and forest habitats support impressive year-round resident species and seasonal migrants.

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

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

Pigeon Guillemot

115/30/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

455/30/2026

Brown Pelican

505/30/2026

Bald Eagle

35/30/2026

American Crow

25/30/2026

Barn Swallow

45/30/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

15/30/2026

Orange-crowned Warbler

15/30/2026

Pacific Wren

15/29/2026

Song Sparrow

15/29/2026

Wilson's Warbler

15/29/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

125/29/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/29/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

25/29/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

15/29/2026

Violet-green Swallow

25/29/2026

American Robin

45/29/2026

Western Gull

15/27/2026

California Gull

15/27/2026

Golden-crowned Kinglet

15/27/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for vocalizations to locate canopy-dwelling warblers and vireos.

  2. 2

    Check forest edges and clearings for flycatchers and thrushes.

  3. 3

    Pack rain gear — the best birding often coincides with drizzly conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cape Disappointment State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Cape Disappointment State Park for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cape Disappointment State Park?
Notable species at Cape Disappointment State Park include Red-eyed Vireo, Scarlet Tanager, Pileated Woodpecker, Wood Thrush, Ovenbird. The area supports forest, coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cape Disappointment State Park?
Birding at Cape Disappointment State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Cape Disappointment State Park?
Cape Disappointment State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.