Last Update: December 2, 2022
We encourage you to check back regularly. If you have comments, contributions, sightings, suggestions or if you notice anything that needs fixing, please let us know! We are here for you.
We encourage you to check back regularly. If you have comments, contributions, sightings, suggestions or if you notice anything that needs fixing, please let us know! We are here for you.
Tillamook Birds
Tillamook County has numerous wonderful birds in its several biomes. As of December 2022 there are 384 different Tillamook species listed on eBird. While some of these are very rare and unexpected, many are seen every year. There is one avid Tillamook eBirder who has seen 312 (and counting...) of these species! To further explore Tillamook County sightings, visit eBird. For more information on specific coastal Tillamook birds, take a look at our Where to Bird section, and check out the birds section of Netarts Bay Today. How many different species can you identify?
Tillamook County has numerous wonderful birds in its several biomes. As of December 2022 there are 384 different Tillamook species listed on eBird. While some of these are very rare and unexpected, many are seen every year. There is one avid Tillamook eBirder who has seen 312 (and counting...) of these species! To further explore Tillamook County sightings, visit eBird. For more information on specific coastal Tillamook birds, take a look at our Where to Bird section, and check out the birds section of Netarts Bay Today. How many different species can you identify?
Birding Tillamook County by Paddle Board or Kayak
Have you ever considered birding Tillamook County by Paddle Board or Kayak? Local birder Cliff Cordy has and has prepared a guide for those similarly inclined. Check it out here.
Have you ever considered birding Tillamook County by Paddle Board or Kayak? Local birder Cliff Cordy has and has prepared a guide for those similarly inclined. Check it out here.
December Update
Tillamook Bay Christmas Bird Count (CBC)
The 2022, 58th annual Christmas Bird Count is scheduled for Saturday December 17, 2022. Mark your calendars! Planning is well under way and assignments are being made. Click here for more information. We are excited to be getting positive responses from many participants, including new ones, this year. We are hoping for reasonable weather. Fingers crossed.
Tillamook Bay Christmas Bird Count (CBC)
The 2022, 58th annual Christmas Bird Count is scheduled for Saturday December 17, 2022. Mark your calendars! Planning is well under way and assignments are being made. Click here for more information. We are excited to be getting positive responses from many participants, including new ones, this year. We are hoping for reasonable weather. Fingers crossed.
September
The Oregon Birding Association held its annual meeting and field trips September 10 and 11. There were three field trips in Tillamook County, two to Sitka Sedge and one to the Garibaldi area including Bay City, Barview Jetty, and the Garibaldi Marina. Despite some wind and smokey skies, participation was good and some very fine birds were seen. Notable sightings were a Lapland Longspur at Sitka Sedge, and a Rock Sandpiper and Wandering Tattler at Barview.
Local birding has continued excellent with many sightings of American Pipit, and good views by many of Solitary Sandpiper and Sharp-tailed Sandpiper. Several people also had looks at a young Prairie Falcon, that passed through briefly. There have been a number of warbler reports, most of expected species, with a Tennessee Warbler reported September 22 at
Kilchis Point Reserve. Thanks to the many remarkable sightings by Cameron Cox.
The Oregon Birding Association held its annual meeting and field trips September 10 and 11. There were three field trips in Tillamook County, two to Sitka Sedge and one to the Garibaldi area including Bay City, Barview Jetty, and the Garibaldi Marina. Despite some wind and smokey skies, participation was good and some very fine birds were seen. Notable sightings were a Lapland Longspur at Sitka Sedge, and a Rock Sandpiper and Wandering Tattler at Barview.
Local birding has continued excellent with many sightings of American Pipit, and good views by many of Solitary Sandpiper and Sharp-tailed Sandpiper. Several people also had looks at a young Prairie Falcon, that passed through briefly. There have been a number of warbler reports, most of expected species, with a Tennessee Warbler reported September 22 at
Kilchis Point Reserve. Thanks to the many remarkable sightings by Cameron Cox.
Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (with Pectoral SP)
Photo: Michael Krall
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Solitary Sandpiper
Photo: Michael Krall
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August
There are so many fledgling and "hatch year" birds around, in various stages of development. It's fun to hear them learning, and often not quite getting, their songs. And so much begging for food! It's a kick to see their parents weaning them to independence. Young birds usually have different plumage from adults, and depending on their age may sport downy feathers and a yellowish "gape" at the base of their beaks, apparently a target for parental feeding.
There are so many fledgling and "hatch year" birds around, in various stages of development. It's fun to hear them learning, and often not quite getting, their songs. And so much begging for food! It's a kick to see their parents weaning them to independence. Young birds usually have different plumage from adults, and depending on their age may sport downy feathers and a yellowish "gape" at the base of their beaks, apparently a target for parental feeding.
American Robin Juvenile
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Barn Swallows
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Pacific Wren
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July
The seasons keep rolling along, and with them, the birds. Sadly, just in the last few days we’ve noticed that the “whit” and song of the Swainson’s Thrush has vanished from around our home in Netarts. We miss awakening to this sure sign of summer. On the other hand, shorebirds are on the move. Yesterday we saw some 30 Least Sandpipers in Bay City. A Baird’s Sandpiper has shown up in the county, as have Wandering Tattlers. The Brown Pelicans are numerous in the bays, with their orderly flights and their amazing plunges. Our feeders have been very busy. Yesterday we had American Goldfinch, Black-headed Grosbeak, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, House Finch, Band-tailed Pigeon, Hairy Woodpecker, Red Crossbill, Steller’s Jay (including a young one still sporting a gape and brownish back and shoulders), and both Anna’s and Rufous Hummingbirds. Turkey Vultures, Great Egrets, Crows, and Bald Eagles flew overhead. Speaking of Bald Eagles- the nest that has been present and successful in the tall fir just north of the Whisky Creek shellfish hatchery for several years unexpectedly blew down sometime this early summer. Fortunately, the eaglet fledged successfully before that happened. I am curious whether the nest will be rebuilt. I certainly hope so.
The seasons keep rolling along, and with them, the birds. Sadly, just in the last few days we’ve noticed that the “whit” and song of the Swainson’s Thrush has vanished from around our home in Netarts. We miss awakening to this sure sign of summer. On the other hand, shorebirds are on the move. Yesterday we saw some 30 Least Sandpipers in Bay City. A Baird’s Sandpiper has shown up in the county, as have Wandering Tattlers. The Brown Pelicans are numerous in the bays, with their orderly flights and their amazing plunges. Our feeders have been very busy. Yesterday we had American Goldfinch, Black-headed Grosbeak, Chestnut-backed Chickadee, House Finch, Band-tailed Pigeon, Hairy Woodpecker, Red Crossbill, Steller’s Jay (including a young one still sporting a gape and brownish back and shoulders), and both Anna’s and Rufous Hummingbirds. Turkey Vultures, Great Egrets, Crows, and Bald Eagles flew overhead. Speaking of Bald Eagles- the nest that has been present and successful in the tall fir just north of the Whisky Creek shellfish hatchery for several years unexpectedly blew down sometime this early summer. Fortunately, the eaglet fledged successfully before that happened. I am curious whether the nest will be rebuilt. I certainly hope so.
Juvenile Steller's Jay. Notice the "gape" by the beak and the drab grayish brown upper back and breast. Photo: Michael Krall
June Update
Tillamook county in June is full of bird song. This helps bird lovers find birds, especially in the early morning hours. Many birds move into the higher elevation forests to build nests. Alert listeners have recently found some rare birds, including a beautiful male Northern Parula warbler at Sitka Sedge. This species is normally seen in central and eastern USA. (Did you note what we said in the warbler posting below about being alert for rare warblers?)
Brown Pelicans are annual summer visitors that are seen flying offshore, often near Three Arch Rocks or Cape Meares. This year, however, American White Pelicans, usually seen in central and eastern Oregon, can be seen on both Netarts and Tillamook bays. Perhaps the drought in their usual habitat has them looking for new places to forage?
Did you know that Bald Eagles do not always have white heads and tails? Young eagles take 4-5 years to reach mature plumage. If you see a dark eagle in Tillamook County, it is most likely a young bald eagle, not a Golden Eagle as some visitors sometimes assume. A Bald Eagle nest, with a young bird about to fledge, can be seen along Netarts Bay Rd, in the estuary just north of the shellfish factory.
Shorebird fall migration starts as early as the last week of June, and shorebird numbers increase during July. Adults usually have worn feathers, while young birds look crisp and colorful. Watch for flocks of sandpipers on the ocean beaches and tidal flats in the next weeks.
Tillamook county in June is full of bird song. This helps bird lovers find birds, especially in the early morning hours. Many birds move into the higher elevation forests to build nests. Alert listeners have recently found some rare birds, including a beautiful male Northern Parula warbler at Sitka Sedge. This species is normally seen in central and eastern USA. (Did you note what we said in the warbler posting below about being alert for rare warblers?)
Brown Pelicans are annual summer visitors that are seen flying offshore, often near Three Arch Rocks or Cape Meares. This year, however, American White Pelicans, usually seen in central and eastern Oregon, can be seen on both Netarts and Tillamook bays. Perhaps the drought in their usual habitat has them looking for new places to forage?
Did you know that Bald Eagles do not always have white heads and tails? Young eagles take 4-5 years to reach mature plumage. If you see a dark eagle in Tillamook County, it is most likely a young bald eagle, not a Golden Eagle as some visitors sometimes assume. A Bald Eagle nest, with a young bird about to fledge, can be seen along Netarts Bay Rd, in the estuary just north of the shellfish factory.
Shorebird fall migration starts as early as the last week of June, and shorebird numbers increase during July. Adults usually have worn feathers, while young birds look crisp and colorful. Watch for flocks of sandpipers on the ocean beaches and tidal flats in the next weeks.
Juvenile Bald Eagle
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Juvenile Bald Eagles
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Juvenile Bald Eagle. Photos: Michael Krall
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Merry Migration
Spring migration is well under way. Many shorebirds are showing up along the coast and warblers are in evidence wherever there is fresh water and shelter. WHIMBRELS (Numenius phaeopus), large sandpipers with long down curved beaks, have been especially in evidence this early May. Several WESTERN KINGBIRDS ((Tyrannus verticalis), a rare visitor, have shown up as well. Get out there and enjoy (but bring your rain gear!).
Spring migration is well under way. Many shorebirds are showing up along the coast and warblers are in evidence wherever there is fresh water and shelter. WHIMBRELS (Numenius phaeopus), large sandpipers with long down curved beaks, have been especially in evidence this early May. Several WESTERN KINGBIRDS ((Tyrannus verticalis), a rare visitor, have shown up as well. Get out there and enjoy (but bring your rain gear!).
Whimbrels. Photo: Michael Krall
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Whimbrel. Photo: Michael Krall
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Western Kingbird. Photo: Michael Krall
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Wonderful World of Wood-Warblers
You can tell the season, based on visitations from members of the Wood-warblers (several Genera from the Families Parulidae and Peucedramidae). In Tillamook County we are lucky enough to have YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS (Dendroica coronata) year round. "Butter butts" come in two varieties, the more common Audubon's with their yellow throats. and the less common Myrtles with their dark cheeks and white throats. In the late summer through the month of May, we have the striking TOWNSEND'S WARBLER (Dendroica townsendi) with its bright yellow face and breast, olive to black cheek, and streaked flanks. Beginning in late March, listen for ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS (Vermivora celata), with their fast trilling song, as they become increasingly evident. Orange-crowned warblers can show up throughout the year. Although found throughout the US, the Pacific coast populations of this warbler are the brightest in color and show yellow and olive. If you are lucky, you may see orange in their crowns. Also in late March, COMMON YELLOW-THROATS (Geothlypis trichas) begin to show up. Present until October, these birds are more often heard than seen, with their distinctive "wichety wichety wichety" call. Males of this species have a broad black mask under a white stripe. While females lack these features, they too sport yellow throats, as well as yellow under their tails. The male voice will carry far- look for the singer further away than you might think.
In April, an abundance of warblers arrive. WILSON'S WARBLERS (Wilsonia pusilla) with their broad yellow eyebrows and black "skull caps" are very small and "cute" warblers. They are typically seen from April to September. HERMIT WARBLERS (Dendroica occidentalis) are unique to the west coast during the summer (late April through September). Their call is similar to Townsend's and these two species are known to hybridize. Look for a bright yellow crown and face, and black chins. YELLOW WARBLERS (Dendroica petechia) also arrive in late April and typically stay through September. They prefer brushy habitats especially along streams. These birds are yellow overall, as their name suggests. Males, however, have distinctive red streaks on their breasts (from which they get their species name, petechia). Occasionally seen are BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS (Dendroica nigrescens). Always a pleasure to see, these birds are entirely black and white, except for their distinctive yellow "headlights", small bright yellow spots just in front of their eyes. A few other species of warbler surprise us periodically, including PALM WARBLERS, usually seen in winter. Be on the look out for rarities. Enjoy the photos below, but better yet, go find them in the field!
You can tell the season, based on visitations from members of the Wood-warblers (several Genera from the Families Parulidae and Peucedramidae). In Tillamook County we are lucky enough to have YELLOW-RUMPED WARBLERS (Dendroica coronata) year round. "Butter butts" come in two varieties, the more common Audubon's with their yellow throats. and the less common Myrtles with their dark cheeks and white throats. In the late summer through the month of May, we have the striking TOWNSEND'S WARBLER (Dendroica townsendi) with its bright yellow face and breast, olive to black cheek, and streaked flanks. Beginning in late March, listen for ORANGE-CROWNED WARBLERS (Vermivora celata), with their fast trilling song, as they become increasingly evident. Orange-crowned warblers can show up throughout the year. Although found throughout the US, the Pacific coast populations of this warbler are the brightest in color and show yellow and olive. If you are lucky, you may see orange in their crowns. Also in late March, COMMON YELLOW-THROATS (Geothlypis trichas) begin to show up. Present until October, these birds are more often heard than seen, with their distinctive "wichety wichety wichety" call. Males of this species have a broad black mask under a white stripe. While females lack these features, they too sport yellow throats, as well as yellow under their tails. The male voice will carry far- look for the singer further away than you might think.
In April, an abundance of warblers arrive. WILSON'S WARBLERS (Wilsonia pusilla) with their broad yellow eyebrows and black "skull caps" are very small and "cute" warblers. They are typically seen from April to September. HERMIT WARBLERS (Dendroica occidentalis) are unique to the west coast during the summer (late April through September). Their call is similar to Townsend's and these two species are known to hybridize. Look for a bright yellow crown and face, and black chins. YELLOW WARBLERS (Dendroica petechia) also arrive in late April and typically stay through September. They prefer brushy habitats especially along streams. These birds are yellow overall, as their name suggests. Males, however, have distinctive red streaks on their breasts (from which they get their species name, petechia). Occasionally seen are BLACK-THROATED GRAY WARBLERS (Dendroica nigrescens). Always a pleasure to see, these birds are entirely black and white, except for their distinctive yellow "headlights", small bright yellow spots just in front of their eyes. A few other species of warbler surprise us periodically, including PALM WARBLERS, usually seen in winter. Be on the look out for rarities. Enjoy the photos below, but better yet, go find them in the field!
Yellow-rumped Warbler (Audubon's).
Photo: Michael Krall
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Townsend's Warbler. Photo: Michael Krall
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Orange-crowned Warbler. Photo: Michael Krall
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Common Yellow-throat. Photo: Michael Krall
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Wilson's Warbler. Photo: Michael Krall
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Hermit Warbler. Photo: Michael Krall
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Yellow Warbler. Photo: Michael Krall
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Black-throated Gray Warbler. Photo: Michael Krall
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Rare Tillamook Birds
All birds are special...but some sightings are especially noteworthy. This winter we had some very cool visitors and this has continued this spring. Very recent unusual visitors include the Northern Parula Warbler at Sitka Sedge and an Acorn Woodpecker near Nehalem. There was also a Black-throated Sparrow at Sitka Sedge at the end of May.
On November 30, 2021 Kevin Scaldeferri spotted a SWAINSON'S HAWK (Buteo swainsoni) on Long Prairie Road. It is likely the same bird that was sighted nearby last year. Swainson's Hawks are rare in Tillamook County. This beauteous Buteo (pun intended) has been spotted fairly regularly in the same area since. Remarkably, on January 16, at the same location, Conor Scotland picked out a rare SLATY-BACKED GULL (Larus schistisagus) from within a large gull flock. It too has been seen by multiple observers on multiple days, although the gulls move around and this gull can be hard to pick from the flock at times. This gull is uncommon and local in Western Alaska, rare elsewhere but apparently increasingly seen in small numbers along the Pacific coast. To add to the excitement and fun, Cliff Cordy found a YELLOW-BILLED LOON (Gavia adamsii) on January 23rd. Seen initially looking east from Bay Ocean Spit, the loon showed itself well to many happy birders the following day at the Barview Tide Pool. This loon is a rare visitor from the north, normally expected only in Arctic Canada and on the coasts of Alaska and British Columbia. What will the next rare bird be?
All birds are special...but some sightings are especially noteworthy. This winter we had some very cool visitors and this has continued this spring. Very recent unusual visitors include the Northern Parula Warbler at Sitka Sedge and an Acorn Woodpecker near Nehalem. There was also a Black-throated Sparrow at Sitka Sedge at the end of May.
On November 30, 2021 Kevin Scaldeferri spotted a SWAINSON'S HAWK (Buteo swainsoni) on Long Prairie Road. It is likely the same bird that was sighted nearby last year. Swainson's Hawks are rare in Tillamook County. This beauteous Buteo (pun intended) has been spotted fairly regularly in the same area since. Remarkably, on January 16, at the same location, Conor Scotland picked out a rare SLATY-BACKED GULL (Larus schistisagus) from within a large gull flock. It too has been seen by multiple observers on multiple days, although the gulls move around and this gull can be hard to pick from the flock at times. This gull is uncommon and local in Western Alaska, rare elsewhere but apparently increasingly seen in small numbers along the Pacific coast. To add to the excitement and fun, Cliff Cordy found a YELLOW-BILLED LOON (Gavia adamsii) on January 23rd. Seen initially looking east from Bay Ocean Spit, the loon showed itself well to many happy birders the following day at the Barview Tide Pool. This loon is a rare visitor from the north, normally expected only in Arctic Canada and on the coasts of Alaska and British Columbia. What will the next rare bird be?
Swainson's Hawk. Photo: Michael Krall
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Slaty-backed Gull (dark bird, center left). Photo: Michael Krall
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Yellow-billed Loon. Photo: Michael Krall
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Swans Visit Tillamook
At the tail end of 2021, into the first week of 2022 we had some visitors from the Genus Cygnus. Six swans were initially seen on 12/30 by Julie and Conor Scotland from Goodspeed Road, and identified as Tundras. Later that day, Kathy and Michael Krall viewed 7 birds, including a first year bird, from Goodspeed and Makinster Roads. Photographs of those birds appeared to show good evidence for Tundras (Cygnus columbianus) including pink at the base of the 1st year bird's beak and a rounded border to the adult bird's beak at the forehead. Other field marks such as rounding of the back, and shape of the edge of the bill were more difficult to appreciate. Trumpeters are significantly larger and heavier (80" wingspan and 23# compared to 66” and 14.4#, on average) but since they were not side by side this too was a difficult call. Speaking of call, the birds were not vocalizing, thus depriving us of this important clue. The following day, Kevin Scaldeferri observed a total of three swans from Makinster Road at almost the same location, but surprisingly these birds appeared to have characteristics to support Trumpeter Swans (Cygnus buccinator)! Was this a case of misidentification? A mixed group? Or an entirely new set of birds apparently replacing the others? Kevin's photos clearly showed more black in contact with the eye in the adults than in Michael's earlier photos. The 1st year (juvenile) bird also appeared to be different than the earlier one, with much less pink apparent on the bill. The consensus of several experienced birders was that in fact these were two different groups of birds, the first set Tundras and the second set Trumpeters. Both species are seen in Tillamook County, with Tundra more regular and expected. Check out the comparisons below and tell us what you think! Photos taken at distance and not ideal, yet hopefully instructive.
(Click on photos for caption and to enlarge.)
At the tail end of 2021, into the first week of 2022 we had some visitors from the Genus Cygnus. Six swans were initially seen on 12/30 by Julie and Conor Scotland from Goodspeed Road, and identified as Tundras. Later that day, Kathy and Michael Krall viewed 7 birds, including a first year bird, from Goodspeed and Makinster Roads. Photographs of those birds appeared to show good evidence for Tundras (Cygnus columbianus) including pink at the base of the 1st year bird's beak and a rounded border to the adult bird's beak at the forehead. Other field marks such as rounding of the back, and shape of the edge of the bill were more difficult to appreciate. Trumpeters are significantly larger and heavier (80" wingspan and 23# compared to 66” and 14.4#, on average) but since they were not side by side this too was a difficult call. Speaking of call, the birds were not vocalizing, thus depriving us of this important clue. The following day, Kevin Scaldeferri observed a total of three swans from Makinster Road at almost the same location, but surprisingly these birds appeared to have characteristics to support Trumpeter Swans (Cygnus buccinator)! Was this a case of misidentification? A mixed group? Or an entirely new set of birds apparently replacing the others? Kevin's photos clearly showed more black in contact with the eye in the adults than in Michael's earlier photos. The 1st year (juvenile) bird also appeared to be different than the earlier one, with much less pink apparent on the bill. The consensus of several experienced birders was that in fact these were two different groups of birds, the first set Tundras and the second set Trumpeters. Both species are seen in Tillamook County, with Tundra more regular and expected. Check out the comparisons below and tell us what you think! Photos taken at distance and not ideal, yet hopefully instructive.
(Click on photos for caption and to enlarge.)
Tundra Swans
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Trumpeter Swans
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COASST Beachcast Bird Surveys-
The Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST) is a citizen science project sponsored by the University of Washington and ongoing since 1999. COASST focuses on the beach environment of the northeast Pacific and has engaged over 4,500 participants on more than 450 beaches spanning four states since its founding. COASST participants collect data on beachcast (dead) birds, marine debris, and evidence of human use of the beach environment.
This data is collated, stored and used by scientists to study the impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, and other influences. Learn more about COASST here: https://coasst.org/about/ More volunteers are needed and no special prerequisite knowledge is required as training and tools are provided.
Since 2001, there have been nearly 6800 COASST surveys done on the northern Oregon coast, each survey covering about a 1 KM stretch of one of 52 beaches. Nearly 26000 birds have been identified, representing 122 different species. The surveys of each beach are generally done once per month. The three most common species found are Common Murre (32%), Northern Fulmar (15%) and Cassin’s Auklet (11%). For a few images of some example specimens, click here, but warning, these images may disturb some people.
The Coastal Observation and Seabird Survey Team (COASST) is a citizen science project sponsored by the University of Washington and ongoing since 1999. COASST focuses on the beach environment of the northeast Pacific and has engaged over 4,500 participants on more than 450 beaches spanning four states since its founding. COASST participants collect data on beachcast (dead) birds, marine debris, and evidence of human use of the beach environment.
This data is collated, stored and used by scientists to study the impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, and other influences. Learn more about COASST here: https://coasst.org/about/ More volunteers are needed and no special prerequisite knowledge is required as training and tools are provided.
Since 2001, there have been nearly 6800 COASST surveys done on the northern Oregon coast, each survey covering about a 1 KM stretch of one of 52 beaches. Nearly 26000 birds have been identified, representing 122 different species. The surveys of each beach are generally done once per month. The three most common species found are Common Murre (32%), Northern Fulmar (15%) and Cassin’s Auklet (11%). For a few images of some example specimens, click here, but warning, these images may disturb some people.
Breeding Plumages Abound
One of the wonderful treats this time of year is seeing many birds in their breeding plumages. Even some birds that aren't regular breeders here, have hung around long enough to give us glimpses of the spectacular plumages we usually associate with "up North" (as in Canada or Alaska). In the last couple of weeks we've seen nice examples of Eared Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, and Common Loon showing off their fancy feathers.
One of the wonderful treats this time of year is seeing many birds in their breeding plumages. Even some birds that aren't regular breeders here, have hung around long enough to give us glimpses of the spectacular plumages we usually associate with "up North" (as in Canada or Alaska). In the last couple of weeks we've seen nice examples of Eared Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, and Common Loon showing off their fancy feathers.
Eared Grebes. Photo: Michael Krall
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Common Loon. Photo: Michael Krall
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Red-necked Grebe. Photo: Michael Krall
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Lesser is More!
Another new Tillamook County bird- a Lesser Nighthawk (Chordeiles acutipennis) was sighted April 6th by Annika Andersson and seen by a few other lucky and alert birders at Goose Point just south of Bay City. Good photos were obtained. Any Nighthawk is very unexpected here in spring, whereas Common Nighthawks are, well, common in the summer. Lesser Nighthawks winter in Baja and elsewhere in Mexico. In summer they are expected in the Central Valley of California and elsewhere in the Southwest. Unfortunately this bird apparently didn’t stick around more than one day. Congratulations to those who saw it.
Ah, Spring!
Happily, the days are (mostly) getting warmer and we’re beginning to see some spring migrants. Rufous Hummingbirds are back, as are Turkey Vultures and Osprey. Many of the winter birds have left including Ruff-legged Hawks. There is a lot of mating activity in evidence. Bald eagles are on the nest across the estuary near the oyster hatchery on Netarts Bay. They have two hatchlings in the nest as of mid June 2021, getting larger and ready to fledge.
Another new Tillamook County bird- a Lesser Nighthawk (Chordeiles acutipennis) was sighted April 6th by Annika Andersson and seen by a few other lucky and alert birders at Goose Point just south of Bay City. Good photos were obtained. Any Nighthawk is very unexpected here in spring, whereas Common Nighthawks are, well, common in the summer. Lesser Nighthawks winter in Baja and elsewhere in Mexico. In summer they are expected in the Central Valley of California and elsewhere in the Southwest. Unfortunately this bird apparently didn’t stick around more than one day. Congratulations to those who saw it.
Ah, Spring!
Happily, the days are (mostly) getting warmer and we’re beginning to see some spring migrants. Rufous Hummingbirds are back, as are Turkey Vultures and Osprey. Many of the winter birds have left including Ruff-legged Hawks. There is a lot of mating activity in evidence. Bald eagles are on the nest across the estuary near the oyster hatchery on Netarts Bay. They have two hatchlings in the nest as of mid June 2021, getting larger and ready to fledge.
Bald Eagle nest along Netarts Bay. Look down the tallest tree about thirty feet.
Photo: Michael Krall
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Adult and Fledgling Bald Eagle from 2020 season. Photo: Michael Krall
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Purple Martins
Purple Martin nesting success at the Netarts Boat Basin in 2021 was uncertain, at least to this observer. We saw adult birds entering and hanging around the nesting boxes on several occasions. However, we never observed definite feeding behavior or fledglings. What about other observers? If you had definite sightings we'd love to hear.
Purple Martin nesting success at the Netarts Boat Basin in 2021 was uncertain, at least to this observer. We saw adult birds entering and hanging around the nesting boxes on several occasions. However, we never observed definite feeding behavior or fledglings. What about other observers? If you had definite sightings we'd love to hear.
Purple Martin's claiming nesting box and fending off House Sparrow. Photo: Michael Krall
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Purple Martins at nesting box. Photo: Michael Krall
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Hiking the Tillamook Spits
In December 2015, Portland Monthly had a feature article on hiking Netarts and Bayocean Spits. Bayocean is popular among birders, but Netarts spit is less frequently birded. Read what writer Adam Sawyer had to say about them both.
A picture is worth...
Jack Booth has been absent for a while, but missed. Here are a few samples of his wonderful photos. Be sure to look at his photo gallery.
In December 2015, Portland Monthly had a feature article on hiking Netarts and Bayocean Spits. Bayocean is popular among birders, but Netarts spit is less frequently birded. Read what writer Adam Sawyer had to say about them both.
A picture is worth...
Jack Booth has been absent for a while, but missed. Here are a few samples of his wonderful photos. Be sure to look at his photo gallery.
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Clay-colored Sparrow
Clay-colored Sparrow, Nielsen Rd, 29 Nov 2015 Photo: Jack Booth
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Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Tillamook Bay Wetlands, 28 Nov 2015 Photo Jack Booth
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Cattle Egret
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Swamp Sparrow
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Cattle Egret, Hwy 101 s of Tillamook city, 26 Nov 2015 Photo: Jack Booth
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Swamp Sparrow, Tillamook Bay Wetlands, 23 Nov 2015 Photo: Jack Booth
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Protecting Bayocean Spit
Dickcissel, Bayocean Spit, 21 Nov 2015 Photo: Jack Booth
Updated 7/12/2020
Tillamook County held a public hearing November 12, 2015 to discuss the future of Bayocean Spit.
Marg Tweelinckx gave the photos of the DICKCISSEL and NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD provided by Nels Nelson and talked about birding at Bayocean Spit and how it has influenced her.
The Tillamook County Department of Community Development accepted the photos and many people there were interested in the birding.
In a 5-2 vote the Planning Commission voted to change the zoning from Recreation Management (RM) to Recreation Natural (RN), which aims to "... designate and preserve areas that contain significant natural and/or scenic values."
The Tillamook Planning Commission Report may be accessed here.
Additional Bayocean information:
Oregon Coast Alliance
Tillamook County held a public hearing November 12, 2015 to discuss the future of Bayocean Spit.
Marg Tweelinckx gave the photos of the DICKCISSEL and NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD provided by Nels Nelson and talked about birding at Bayocean Spit and how it has influenced her.
The Tillamook County Department of Community Development accepted the photos and many people there were interested in the birding.
In a 5-2 vote the Planning Commission voted to change the zoning from Recreation Management (RM) to Recreation Natural (RN), which aims to "... designate and preserve areas that contain significant natural and/or scenic values."
The Tillamook Planning Commission Report may be accessed here.
Additional Bayocean information:
Oregon Coast Alliance
Bonaparte's Gull, Nov 2014 Photo: Jack Booth
Do you have photos, notes or field reports you'd like to share, or suggestions about the website? Let us know!
eBird "Hotspot Explorer"
We've added links to eBird's new "Hotspot Explorer" for each of our featured birding locations on our Where to Bird pages. These links take you to a new eBird feature that includes recent sightings, top listers, bar charts and more. They have also added an interface for counties, so here's a link to Tillamook County. More information...
Black Turnstone, Nov 2014 Photo: Jack Booth
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Oregon Birding Sites Guide (new links)
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Red-breaster Sapsucker, Nov 2014 Photo: Jack Booth
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What is Tillamook Birder?
Tillamook County is located on the north Oregon coast, between Lincoln county, to the south, and Clatsop, to the north. Its coastline offers rocky ocean beaches, majestic Capes, and numerous bays. Moving inland, fertile fields and wetlands give way to lush forested mountains as you move further east. On our website, we plan to provide up to date reports of birding activity and conditions, information about local birding events, and much more. We plan to keep updating and revising to best meet your needs. Special thanks to Jules Evans, Dawn Villaescusa, Cliff Cordy, Tim Blount, Jack Booth and Ken Chamberlain for their input, advice, and fantastic photos. Editor is Michael Krall.