three marine and three estuarine National Wildlife Refuges
(NWR) located on the Oregon Coast are part of a network
of over 540 NWR's, areas
set aside specifically for the conservation, management,
and protection of wildlife. Oregon Islands NWR and Three Arch Rocks NWR together provide breeding and nesting habitat for
an estimated 1.2 million seabirds. Three Arch Rocks NWR and the rocks, islands and reefs of Oregon Islands NWR are designated National Wilderness Areas. No public access is allowed but the
seabirds and pinnipeds there can be viewed from many points
onshore, such as Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach, Yaquina
Head Outstanding Natural Area in Newport, Cape Arago
in Charleston, and Coquille
Point in Bandon.
Cape Meares NWR offers
cliff habitat for a nesting pair of Peregrine Falcons. Bandon
Marsh NWR has well-developed public access to the Coquille
River Estuary, an area renowned for the viewing of thousands of
migrating shorebirds. Raptors and waterfowl frequent Siletz
Bay NWR which is accessible to the public only by canoe or
kayak down the waterway, while Nestucca
Bay NWR provides wintering habitat for the only coastal population
of Dusky Canada geese and the entire population of Semidi Islands Aleutian Canada geese.
Back to top
one of the best times to visit the Oregon Coast. Thousands of
shorebirds migrating north during April and May, stop in Oregon
wetlands to rest and feed. Nesting seabirds, including common
murres, tufted puffins, pigeon guillemots, and Brandt's, pelagic
and double-crested cormorants arrive on coastal rocks and islands
for their breeding season. Northward-migrating gray whales are
visible from March through May from the same viewpoints overlooking
Oregon Islands NWR. Watch
for endangered brown pelicans beginning to arrive during this
Seal and sea
lion numbers peak around mid-July and late August. Young seabirds
fledge in July and August. Raptors such as peregrine falcons and
bald eagles hunt the nesting seabirds and waterfowl that migrate
along the coast. These birds of prey can be seen at Cape
Meares, Nestucca Bay,
Siletz Bay NWR, and Bandon
is a great time view spectacular flocks of shorebirds flying swiftly
and erratically through the sky. Shorebird numbers peak in September
as they fly south to wintering areas. Nestucca
Bay, Siletz Bay, and Bandon
Marsh are excellent places to watch for migrating shorebirds
and waterfowl. Waterfowl that will winter along the coast begin
to arrive at this time.
and waterbirds are most abundant during the winter. Common species
include surf, white-winged and black scoters, harlequin ducks,
common and Pacific loons, and western, horned, and red-necked
grebes. Estuaries host wintering ducks, geese and a variety of
raptors. Gray whales migrate south in December and January on
their way to calve in the coastal lagoons of Baja Mexico and can
be seen from shore. For more information about the geese that
can be found at Nestucca Bay NWR please see our geese
identification sheet (189 KB).
Back to top
to Watch - Wildlife Viewing Tips
Here are a
few tips to make watching wildlife enjoyable and rewarding:
- Print out
Wildlife map (443 KB) to locate hotspots for wildlife or look
for the wildlife viewing
area sign. Plan your visit according to the season, tidal
phase, and time of day. Wildlife is generally more active
in the mornings and early evenings than in the afternoon.
- Download a copy of the Oregon Coast Birding Trail guide.
- Keep voices
down while approaching a viewing area to avoid scaring wildlife
away before you get there. Although animals may disappear when
you arrive, they often return shortly if you are quiet and still.
- Use binoculars
and spotting scopes to bring animals "closer" to you
without disturbing them.
- Bring a
field guide to help you identify various species and the habitats
they prefer. But, remember the goal is to identify with
the wildlife, not just identify it.
- Often a
close look reveals more. Look up look down. Or, peer through
a hand lens to enter the world of insects. Animals come in a
range of sizes and occupy a variety of niches.
at the Oregon Coast Refuges is restricted to limit disturbance
to wildlife and their habitats. ALL COASTAL ROCKS AND ISLANDS
ARE CLOSED TO PUBLIC ACCESS AND ALL WATERCRAFT SHOULD STAY AT
LEAST 500 FEET AWAY.
with their steep cliffs, strong currents, and heavy surf, can
be extremely dangerous. Exercise caution during your visit. Stay
away from cliff edges, and observe posted warnings. Avoid climbing
on drift logs as they can roll in the surf at any time. Consult
weather forecast and tidal charts before boating, canoeing, or