Learn Local Birds

Brown Pelicans – In summer, pelicans are common along the coast. Look for them flying in long graceful lines just offshore, also sitting on rocks, beaches or other perches.

Western Gull – These are our most common gull, here year round.

Black Oystercatcher – Look for these noisy distinctive birds along rocky shores and sometimes along the beach.

Common Murres – In spring and summer, look for large flocks of murres flying up and down the coast and large, nesting colonies on offshore rocks.

Pelagic Cormorants – Our smallest and most slender cormorant. Watch them diving for fish offshore and in river estuaries.

Double-crested Cormorants – Our largest cormorant with a thicker bill, orange facial skin patch, and a kinked neck in flight. Look for them on offshore rocks and in local rivers.

Western Grebe – Look for these slender necked birds at ports and also in the ocean, and at lakes and estuaries, especially in winter

Tufted Puffins – Tufted puffins breed in burrows on offshore islands with sufficient soil and grasses. They can be best seen in the summer from Harris Beach State Park–best views with the aid of a spotting scope. State park docents often set up scopes for viewing.

Bald Eagle – Bald eagles can be seen along all our wild rivers

Wood Duck – Look at the Mill Pond in Port Orford, as well as other suitable habitat, for this colorful bird

Great Blue Heron – This grand bird can be seen in marshes, pastures, along rivers, and even along the beach

Bufflehead – Look at any lakes, ponds, or rivers in the winter for this striking little duck

Osprey – The osprey can be along rivers, lakes, and the coast. Look for a fish in its talons!

Belted Kingfisher – Kingfishers can be seen along rivers, lakes, and the coast

Wrentit – A secretive bird unique to Oregon’s coast. Look and listen at Port Orford Heads State Park, Cape Blanco, Harris Beach S.P., or other scrubby areas.

White-crowned Sparrow – This bird can be see in scrub, fields, and feeders.

Peregrine Falcon – Seen occasionally from the Port of Port Orford and at Port Orford Heads State Park.

California Quail – Look in open meadow areas with nearby cover, regularly seen at many of our state parks.

Steller’s Jay – Common but striking; You probably already know their call.

American Goldfinch – A gorgeous visitor at feeders, look also in open meadows at Cape Blanco State Park.

Anna’s Hummingbird – A lovely bird at feeders and flowers, a year-round resident.

Song Sparrow – This bird occupies many different habitats but usually not very far from water. Learn this bird’s lovely song!

Sharp-shinned Hawk – At active backyard feeders, don’t be surprised to see a sharpie now and then.

Downy Woodpecker – Our smallest woodpecker, look for a splash of red against a tree trunk.

Great-horned Owl – If you see a large bird flying quietly in the woods, think owl. Because this bird is usually active at night, it is more often heard than seen. It is the owl most often heard in movies.

Northern Flicker – Common in woods in town, look for this bird on tree trunks or on the ground.

Black-capped Chickadee – Learn the sound of this cute and common bird that is found mostly in areas with deciduous trees and plants.

Western Tanager – A stunning, insect-eating bird that is most often found in conifers.

Pileated Woodpecker – Look for this bird where there are large tree snags. You’ll likely hear its call or drumbeat first before you see this crow-sized bird.

Varied Thrush – a striking forest bird that sometimes shows up in town woods and parks.