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

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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

Stilt Sandpiper

Calidris himantopus

7/18/2026Hoquiam STP1 observed

Northern Pintail

Anas acuta

7/11/2026Game Farm Rd, Aberdeen US-WA (46.8991,-123.9970)3 observed

Black-legged Kittiwake

Rissa tridactyla

7/10/2026Ocean Shores--Bill's Spit1 observed

Short-billed Gull

Larus brachyrhynchus

7/10/2026Ocean Shores--Bill's Spit3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Killdeer

87/19/2026

Semipalmated Plover

1077/19/2026

Red Knot

67/19/2026

Sanderling

1007/19/2026

Least Sandpiper

287/19/2026

Western Sandpiper

437/19/2026

Semipalmated Sandpiper

17/19/2026

Rhinoceros Auklet

227/19/2026

Marbled Murrelet

27/19/2026

Pigeon Guillemot

67/19/2026

Common Murre

367/19/2026

Heermann's Gull

2367/19/2026

Western Gull

97/19/2026

California Gull

427/19/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

37/19/2026

Caspian Tern

27/19/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

67/19/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

77/19/2026

Brown Pelican

677/19/2026

Barn Swallow

27/19/2026

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.