Wings Over the Pacific: Seabirding Along the Oregon Coast
For birdwatchers, the Oregon Coast is one of the most dynamic and rewarding places in North America to observe seabirds. Stretching over 360 miles from the Columbia River to the California border, this rugged coastline offers everything from headlands and secluded coves to rocky islands and sandy beaches—each attracting a rich diversity of seabirds year-round.
The confluence of cold ocean currents, abundant upwelling zones, and dramatic coastal topography creates an ideal environment for birds that live much of their lives at sea. While some species can be seen from shore with a good spotting scope, others are best observed from the deck of a pelagic birding trip, which depart seasonally from ports like Newport, Depoe Bay, and Charleston.
One of the most iconic seabirds spotted off the Oregon Coast is the Black-footed Albatross. Though albatrosses are typically associated with the deep ocean, they often venture closer to shore during summer months, especially during strong upwelling conditions that drive fish and squid near the surface. With their impressive wingspans—up to 7 feet—and long, gliding flight style, they are unmistakable even at a distance. Black-footed albatrosses are mostly dusky brown with pale faces and dark feet, often seen trailing behind fishing boats or soaring effortlessly above the swell.
The Sooty Shearwater is another common visitor, particularly during the late spring through early fall. These sleek, dark seabirds migrate to the Oregon Coast from breeding grounds as far away as New Zealand and Chile, traveling thousands of miles each year. Sooty shearwaters fly low over the waves with fast, stiff wingbeats interspersed with glides, often in large, coordinated flocks. Watch for them off headlands like Cape Meares, Yaquina Head, or Cape Perpetua, especially on windy days when updrafts bring birds close to the cliffs.
Throughout the year, you might also encounter the Pink-footed Shearwater, a slightly larger relative of the sooty. Though not as numerous, they’re seen regularly from both shore and sea. Their plumage is browner overall with a distinct pale belly and pink legs and feet—hence the name. They breed on a few Chilean islands and are considered vulnerable due to habitat degradation and bycatch in fishing nets.
Closer to shore, one of the most accessible and charismatic seabirds is the Common Murre. These penguin-like birds form massive nesting colonies on offshore rocks and sea stacks, including the famous rocks near Yaquina Head and Cape Arago. In late spring and early summer, the spectacle of tens of thousands of murres packed shoulder to shoulder on rocky ledges is a must-see. Murres are excellent divers, using their wings to "fly" underwater as they chase small fish like anchovies and smelt.
Also nesting along the Oregon Coast are Pigeon Guillemots, often seen bobbing just beyond the surf line or tucked into rocky crevices. They are black with bright white wing patches and fire-engine-red legs and feet, which are particularly striking during the breeding season. Their loud, whistling calls can often be heard above the roar of the waves.
Another standout species is the Tufted Puffin, a prized sighting for any coastal birder. Though far less common than other seabirds along the Oregon Coast, puffins do nest on a few offshore rocks, such as those at Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach. These charismatic birds are best seen in late spring and early summer, when their golden head tufts and bright orange bills are on full display. The best viewing times are typically May through July, and early mornings tend to be most productive.
If you’re lucky enough to be on a pelagic trip from Newport or Depoe Bay, keep an eye out for Fork-tailed Storm-Petrels. These small, ghostly-gray seabirds seem to hover and dance just above the water’s surface, using their long forked tails and fluttery flight to stay upright while feeding on plankton and fish oil slicks. Though they’re hard to spot from shore, they’re one of the most unique species seen offshore and are a favorite among birders seeking something truly different.
The Oregon Coast also serves as a key stopover and feeding ground for Brown Pelicans, particularly in late summer and early fall. These massive, prehistoric-looking birds were once endangered but have made a strong comeback. Watch for them gliding in single file over the waves or plunge-diving in bays like Netarts or Coos.
Timing and weather play a huge role in seabird activity along the Oregon Coast. Spring and fall migrations offer the greatest variety, with strong west winds often pushing pelagic birds closer to shore. In winter, look for species like Ancient Murrelets, Cassin’s Auklets, and even rarer birds like the Short-tailed Albatross if you're extremely lucky. The Oregon Coast is also one of the best places to observe the interactions between seabirds and marine mammals—whales, sea lions, and seals often share feeding zones, creating lively spectacles at sea.
For birders interested in land-based observation, many of Oregon’s best viewing spots are state parks and protected headlands. Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area in Newport has a resident interpretive center and accessible trails overlooking murre colonies and nesting cormorants. Cape Kiwanda and Cape Lookout offer stunning cliffside views and are excellent for scanning for shearwaters, jaegers, and passing albatrosses during fall storms. Don’t overlook river mouths and estuaries like those at the Columbia, Umpqua, and Siletz, where gulls, terns, and shorebirds gather in large numbers.
If you want to venture offshore, join a guided pelagic birding tour. Oregon Pelagic Tours and The Bird Guide offer seasonal trips out of key harbors. These tours can yield species that are almost never seen from land, and experienced guides help with identification and seabird behavior interpretation. It’s also a great way to meet fellow birders and compare notes on rare or unusual sightings.
Birdwatching on the Oregon is tuning in to the rhythms of the ocean, watching the way birds interact with wind, waves, and one another. Whether you’re scanning for puffins from a tidepool trail or braving open seas in search of albatross, Oregon offers one of the richest coastal birding environments in the U.S.
