Sunset Beach Recreation Area

Oregon · West

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/5/2026Cannon Beach Settling Ponds1 observed

Lesser Goldfinch

Spinus psaltria

3/4/2026Seaside home1 observed

Harris's Sparrow

Zonotrichia querula

3/3/2026Elvin Goodman Park1 observed

Glaucous Gull

Larus hyperboreus

3/2/2026Sunset Beach Recreation Area1 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

2/28/2026Backyard list- SW Elm Ave, Warrenton-OR1 observed

Band-tailed Pigeon

Patagioenas fasciata

2/28/2026Home, Svensen, Clatsop County, Oregon, US

Mallard x Northern Pintail (hybrid)

Anas platyrhynchos x acuta

2/23/2026Next to the pearl1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Sanderling

813/2/2026

Western Gull

123/2/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

13/2/2026

Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid)

13/2/2026

American Crow

103/2/2026

Common Raven

23/2/2026

Dunlin

42/21/2026

American Wigeon

12/20/2026

Mallard

62/20/2026

Green-winged Teal

22/20/2026

Lesser Scaup

12/20/2026

Surf Scoter

12/20/2026

Bufflehead

162/20/2026

Short-billed Gull

402/20/2026

American Herring Gull

12/20/2026

California Gull

62/20/2026

Iceland Gull

12/20/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

22/20/2026

Sharp-shinned Hawk

12/20/2026

Bald Eagle

22/20/2026

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.