Birding In Bandon
Bandon is a true haven for birdwatchers throughout the year, especially those eager to catch a glimpse of Pacific shorebirds. The beautiful beaches, rivers, and intertidal marshes near Bandon provide the perfect nesting grounds and resting spaces for a diverse range of bird species.
Within the Bandon Marsh and Ni-les’tun Wildlife Refuge, birders can delight in observing multiple species of shorebirds, waterfowl, songbirds, and birds of prey. It’s a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and immerse yourself in the beauty of these feathered creatures.
Please remember that public access may be limited at some outdoor recreation sites, including parks, wildlife refuges, and fish hatcheries. To ensure the best experience, we recommend calling ahead or checking the websites of individual locations to confirm their hours of operation and access policies. Happy birding!
Birdwatching & Nature Discovery
Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge is a tidal marsh system, providing habitat for salmon and shorebirds, and is an excellent birdwatching destination. The marsh observation deck on Riverside Drive is walking distance from Old Town – just head north on Riverside Drive, at the east end of First Street. The Ni-les’tun unit parking area and observation platform are located on North Bank Road, off Highway 101, just north of Bullards Bridge.
New River Area of Critical Environmental Concern is located south of Bandon. Learn about the protected habitats at the Nature Center. Then hike the trails or paddle in the estuary. The trailhead and visitor parking are located on Croft Lake Lane, off Highway 101.
Nature Interpretation & Events
Find Group Events
Local Audubon Societies and Shoreline Education for Awareness offer indoor and outdoor events throughout the year.
The Cape Arago Audubon Society and Kalmiopsis Audubon Society lead programs and outings in Bandon and the surrounding area. Meet fellow birding enthusiasts and learn more about stewardship of natural environments.
Shoreline Education for Awareness (SEA) interpreters share a wealth of knowledge about near shore nesting and bird habitats on the beach and offshore rocks. Find SEA volunteers equipped with spotting scopes, field guides and brochures, Friday through Sunday, May through July, at Coquille Point or Face Rock Wayside in Bandon. Additional SEA programs include seminars on King Tides and marine aquaculture. The annual Tufted Puffin Party, held at Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint in April, celebrates the springtime return of puffins to their nesting sites.
Book a Guide
Professional guides share their passion for nature on guided exploration of trails and waterways. Connect with Bandon’s natural wonder! Walks, hikes, as well as kayak and boat tours are available for groups large and small.
Fun for Families & Youngsters
Watch birds in their natural habitats and learn about the relationship between birds, aquatic life, and other species.
Indoors
The Charleston Marine Life Center, located near the Charleston marina, is part of the Oregon Institute of Marine Biology campus. Visitors can learn about natural history in the museum, view aquatic wildlife in the aquarium, and get up close with marine life in the tide pool touch tank.
Outdoors
Pack a picnic and head to the Bandon Fish Hatchery. Birds such as wood ducks, herons, and kingfishers are common all year with additional migratory birds visiting in the spring and summer months. View adult Chinook salmon in the fall, steelhead in the winter and spring, and trout in the show pond year round. Take Fish Hatchery Road south off Highway 42 South, approximately one-half mile east of Bandon.
Download the South Coast Oregon Birding Trail Guide for more birding adventures.