My mother was once gardening in the back yard when she heard a dull “thump” behind her on the lawn. Startled, she veered round and discovered a medium sized salmon lying in the grass. She looked down, puzzled. Considering that salmon don’t usually fly, she quickly deduced that the unlucky fish was dropped by one of the Bald Eagles nesting in the area. As many people know, here on the North Oregon Coast, birds are our intimate neighbors and associates.
The area is brimming with diverse species. Birds like the celebrated Snowy Owls from the arctic tundra that have recently made a surprise appearance at Fort Stevens. There are regal and elaborately decorated Kingfishers that dive headlong from the air into the water. At Broadway Park, Osprey pairs nest in the spring and summer and can be spotted hunting in the Neawanna River (you can even spy on the nesting birds by viewing the Osprey Cam live stream).
Sometimes, all you have to do is look up; but for the birding enthusiast planning their north coast expedition, the birding section of our website offers maps detailing all of the prime locations in the area. Most of these choice birding areas happen to double as some of the most beautiful natural settings on the Oregon coast (which is an added bonus).
Considering how intertwined our daily lives are with our feathered friends, it’s no wonder that the local culture is steeped in both education and outreach. The Annual Necanicum Bird Discovery Day, presented by the Necanicum Watershed Council, brings together local ecologists for a day of birding activities. From a guided bird walk, crafts and activities, to firsthand encounters with rescued birds, Bird Discovery Day is a great way to introduce all ages to the lush wildlife of the north coast.
Ever bump into some of the amazing wildlife in Seaside? We’d love to hear your traveler’s tales!
