Coastal birding habitat

Ocean Shores

Washington · Pacific Northwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Ocean Shores is a productive birding destination in Washington, with 275 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, and Greater Scaup among many others. Coastal and forest habitats support impressive year-round resident species and seasonal migrants.

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

Wilson's Phalarope

Phalaropus tricolor

6/2/2026Hoquiam STP2 observed

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus

6/2/2026Midway Beach1 observed

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

6/2/2026Hoquiam STP1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose (Western)

Anser albifrons

6/2/2026Hoquiam STP2 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

5/28/2026Grays Harbor NWR (Bowerman Basin)2 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

5/26/2026Tokeland -- Graveyard Spit/Fisher Ave1 observed

Bar-tailed Godwit

Limosa lapponica

5/24/2026Bottle Beach State Park2 observed

Ancient Murrelet

Synthliboramphus antiquus

5/24/2026Westport pelagic--Offshore waters3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Eurasian Collared-Dove

25/31/2026

Rufous Hummingbird

15/31/2026

Western Wood-Pewee

15/31/2026

American Crow

25/31/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

45/31/2026

Barn Swallow

45/31/2026

Cliff Swallow

45/31/2026

European Starling

25/31/2026

American Robin

15/31/2026

Cedar Waxwing

65/31/2026

House Finch

45/31/2026

Purple Finch

15/31/2026

American Goldfinch

45/31/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

115/31/2026

Caspian Tern

15/31/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

25/31/2026

Brown Pelican

805/31/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

25/31/2026

Savannah Sparrow

15/31/2026

White-winged Scoter

15/30/2026

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

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Ocean Shores for birding?
The best months to visit Ocean Shores for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Ocean Shores?
Notable species at Ocean Shores include Mallard, Ring-necked Duck, Greater Scaup, Bufflehead, Pied-billed Grebe. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Ocean Shores?
Birding at Ocean Shores is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Ocean Shores?
Ocean Shores offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.