Bird Watching Exploriences

This bird-watching adventure starts with a brief overview with our local experts and is followed by a guided walk at a variety of locations in and around Lincoln City. You'll witness an abundance of wildlife such as egrets, osprey and pelicans, along with countless other majestic creatures.

Bird Watching Exploriences begin at 9 AM and last for two hours. This program is free and registration is not required. Locations for each date are listed below.

Essential Bird Watching Gear

• Sturdy boots
• Binoculars
• Rain jacket
• Gloves
• Sunscreen

2025 Bird Watching Exploriences Dates

Friday, July 11, 2025 @ 9-11 am – Nesika City Park
Saturday, August 9, 2025 @ 9-11 am – Alder Island Loop Trail
Friday, September 12, 2025 @ 9-11 am – Salmon River Estuary at Fraser Road
Friday, October 10, 2025 @ 9-11 am – Lincoln City Water Treatment Plant (space limited to 8 cars)
Saturday, November 8, 2025 @ 9-11 am – Salmon River in the Cascade Head Scenic Research Area
Friday, December 5, 2025 @ 9-11 am – Siletz Bay: Taft Waterfront and Siletz Bay

2024 Location Details

July 12, 2024 - Nesika City Park: Join us for a walk through the newest Lincoln City Park. Explore new trails, visit the nesting Osprey pair, and look for songbirds in the woods and wetlands. Meet at SE 3rd and Mast and look for the Audubon sign.

August 10, 2024 - Alder Island Nature Trail: This easy one-mile trail loops through riparian and wetland habitat along the Siletz River. Look for Warbling Vireo, a variety of warblers, raptors, Great Blue Herons, and Great Egrets. Meet in the parking lot on the east side of Hwy 101 at the south end of the Siletz River Bridge.

September 13, 2024 - Cutler City Open Space and Siletz Bay: Cutler City Wetlands offers a unique habitat of wooded wetlands. Large trees host species such as Pileated Woodpecker while the marshy brush is home to Common Yellowthroat, Wrentits, and other songbirds. We'll look for recent spring arrivals, then move on to Josephine Young Memorial Park where we will watch for migrating shorebirds. An easy walk. Meet at the pull-out on SW 63rd west off Hwy 101 in Cutler City (South Lincoln City).

October 11, 2024 - The Villages Open Space and Roads End State Park: This easy stroll takes you through meadows, woods, and marshes ultimately arriving at the ocean beach. You should see fall arriving song and shorebirds, raptors, and more. Easy walk, family-friendly. Meet at the culdesac at the north end of NE Devil’s Lake Blvd, off Hwy 101 north of Lincoln City.

November 9, 2024 - Cascade Head Scenic Area: This walk along the Salmon River wanders through woodlands, marsh, and riverbanks. Look for grebes, gulls, cormorants, waterfowl, and raptors. Meet in the parking lot at Knight Park, which is on the west end of Three Rocks Rd just north of Lincoln City.

December 6, 2024 - Siletz Bay and Taft Waterfront: Siletz Bay is a winter resting grounds for thousands of waterfowl including Northern Pintail, Green-winged Teal, American Wigeon, with the possibility of an Eurasian Wigeon. Bald Eagles often put on a show and Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets are always present. We will observe from the Taft dock. Meet at the dock beside Mo’s Restaurant (860 SE 51st St.) in the Taft District of Lincoln City.

Weather and ocean conditions can be unpredictable on the Oregon Coast. Please practice caution and mindfulness while participating in the Exploriences.

Safety

Please be mindful as you bird watch in outdoor spaces. Always stay on the trails, protect wildlife habitat, and keep small children and animals near you at all times. If you do bring a furry friend, make sure they stay on leash at all times. Learn more about responsible hiking.

Lincoln City Exploriences

Discover Lincoln City's Exploriences program, a series of free, hands-on learning events led by local experts. Not only will you enjoy a richer experience during your visit, you'll also be eligible to get some "members only" benefits. Check out all of our Exploriences.

Instructors

Explore Lincoln City is proud to partner with the Seven Capes Bird Alliance and Lincoln City Parks & Recreation to offer free Bird Watching Exploriences. Oregon’s youngest Audubon chapter, the Seven Capes Bird Alliance, has been active in educating young and old about birds, wildlife and their habitats along the central Oregon Coast. It presents in-school “Wild About Birds” classroom programs at elementary schools in Tillamook and Lincoln counties. It also offers “Basic Birding” adult classes at the Oregon Coast Community College three times a year at the Lincoln City campus.

The Seven Capes Bird Alliance offers bird walks at locations as far north as Tillamook Bay, as far east as Baskett Slough off Rte 22 near Dallas, OR, and as far south as Seal Rock, and all along the central Oregon Coast.