The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub

Nehalem Bay State Park

Oregon · West

EasyView on eBird
Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFall
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

March-May, September-November

About This Location

Nehalem Bay State Park is a productive birding destination in Oregon, with 260 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts American Wigeon, Mallard, and Surf Scoter among many others. The diverse terrain supports both resident specialties and Pacific Flyway migrants throughout the year.

Location

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Notable Species

American WigeonMallardSurf ScoterBuffleheadCommon Goldeneye

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Black-throated Gray Warbler

Setophaga nigrescens

3/5/2026Kilchis Point Reserve

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/5/2026Cannon Beach Settling Ponds1 observed

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

2/22/2026Cannon Beach Settling Ponds1 observed

Recent Observations

American Wigeon

Nehalem Bay SP

3/2/2026

20 birds

Mallard

Nehalem Bay SP

3/2/2026

2 birds

Surf Scoter

Nehalem Bay SP

3/2/2026

12 birds

Bufflehead

Nehalem Bay SP

3/2/2026

10 birds

Common Goldeneye

Nehalem Bay SP

3/2/2026

2 birds

Anna's Hummingbird

Nehalem Bay SP

3/2/2026

1 birds

Semipalmated Plover

Nehalem Bay SP

3/2/2026

1 birds

Snowy Plover

Nehalem Bay SP

3/2/2026

8 birds

Black Turnstone

Nehalem Bay SP

3/2/2026

12 birds

Sanderling

Nehalem Bay SP

3/2/2026

100 birds

Dunlin

Nehalem Bay SP

3/2/2026

120 birds

Least Sandpiper

Nehalem Bay SP

3/2/2026

80 birds

Western Sandpiper

Nehalem Bay SP

3/2/2026

1 birds

Western Gull

Nehalem Bay SP

3/2/2026

3 birds

Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid)

Nehalem Bay SP

3/2/2026

1 birds

Horned Grebe

Nehalem Bay SP

3/2/2026

1 birds

Brandt's Cormorant

Nehalem Bay SP

3/2/2026

1 birds

Pelagic Cormorant

Nehalem Bay SP

3/2/2026

1 birds

Double-crested Cormorant

Nehalem Bay SP

3/2/2026

2 birds

Great Blue Heron

Nehalem Bay SP

3/2/2026

1 birds

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.

Amenities

Parking
Restrooms
Trails
Visitor Center

More in Oregon

Malheur National Wildlife Refuge

Remote Oregon high desert marshes with outstanding breeding waterbirds and 320+ species.

Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuges

Largest lower-48 Bald Eagle wintering concentration with millions of migrating waterfowl.

Agate Lake

Lake birding hotspot in Oregon with 242 recorded species.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

How to Identify Birds Like an Expert: The Four Keys to Field Identification

11 min read

The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Birdwatching: Gear, Identification, and Etiquette

8 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Nehalem Bay State Park for birding?▼
The best months to visit Nehalem Bay State Park for birding are March-May, September-November. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Nehalem Bay State Park?▼
Notable species at Nehalem Bay State Park include American Wigeon, Mallard, Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, Common Goldeneye. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Nehalem Bay State Park?▼
Birding at Nehalem Bay State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Nehalem Bay State Park?▼
Nehalem Bay State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.