What’s that bird?
Birding along the coast offers year-round opportunities. More than 340 species have been recorded, as restoration projects and wildlife preservation have become priorities.
W •BY JERRY OLSON AND MIKE PATTERSON
Walk among the rivers and streams, fresh- and saltwater ponds, marshes and tidal estuaries of the North Oregon and Southwest Washington Coast, and you feel an earthy connection to the habitat, food sources and environmental stewardship that makes this corner of the world an ecological paradise for birders, bird lovers and na- ture lovers to cherish. What better introduction to nature than the many easy hikes and accessible viewing spots in the area?
Some of the most accessible bird viewing opportunities can be found in Seaside, where the North Coast Land Conservancy has purchased or restored several sites for wildlife viewing. Take an easy walk among the willows and spruces at the Neawanna Mill Ponds off Avenue S, where nearly 250 species of birds have been recorded. This reclaimed former lumber mill provides the photographer with a great place to record wildlife in action. Fiddle with your shutter speed to capture action or your depth of field setting to create drama, and you have a great record of your memories along the coast.
The Necanicum Estuary, which can be accessed from Seaside at Franklin Avenue or Gearhart at Wellington Avenue, is one the best places to witness the annual mi- gration of shorebirds, including thousands of sandpipers and plovers. Brown peli- cans congregate on the beach at Gearhart Spit and the dunes are home to nesting northern harriers and short-eared owls. Young children and the young at heart get a real treat in Cannon Beach at Haystack Rock, when the summer awareness program is staffed with knowledgeable volun- teers. You can view tufted puffins, black oystercatchers and a variety of gull species with provided binoculars and spotting scopes. The staff also provides an interpreta- tive tour of other creatures in tidepools and on the rocks. The newly created walking paths between Ecola Creek and the Little Pompey Wetlands also offer ample oppor- tunities to view a variety of bird species. The 6-mile Fort to Sea Trail in Fort Clatsop National Memorial passes through sand dunes, old growth forest and tidal marshes to create a pristine environment. Trek through the solitude and abundant wildlife, with shuttle service available at the end of the hike in Sunset Beach State Park. Combine this with a canoe trip from Netul Landing down the Lewis and Clark River or Youngs River to the Columbia. Another prime viewing area is Fort Stevens State Park in Hammond, with its miles of flat bike trails along lakes, freshwater marshes and estuarine wetlands, finishing
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