Spring is a spectacular time to visit the southern Oregon Coast, especially for birdwatchers eager to catch the seasonal migrations in full swing. As the weather warms, shorebirds, raptors, and waterfowl make their way along the Pacific Flyway, offering incredible viewing opportunities along the beaches, estuaries, and coastal forests. Birdwatching gets even more exciting as the season progresses, as April kicks off the best time of year to see Tufted Puffins in Oregon – and the Bandon area just so happens to be one of the best places to see them.
As the pending arrival of puffins in Oregon draws closer, crowds of birding enthusiasts flock to Bandon’s sea stacks. These striking, orange-beaked birds nest on the rocky islands off the coast, particularly at Face Rock and Coquille Point. The best time to see them is from late spring through early summer when they return to breed. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope to get a close-up view of puffins bobbing on the water or flying in and out of their burrows.
Bandon isn’t only a great spot to see the Tufted Puffins in Oregon, though. It’s a prime location for spotting various bird species, including snowy plovers along the dunes and ospreys circling over the Coquille River. Head to Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge for one of the best birdwatching experiences on the coast, where you’ll find expansive mudflats and tidal wetlands teeming with avian activity. Spring also brings a chorus of songbirds to the coastal woodlands, making the Bullards Beach State Park trails a rewarding stop for birding enthusiasts.
After a full day of birdwatching and exploring, unwind at the Inn at Face Rock, one of the best hotels in Bandon, Oregon. This welcoming retreat offers spacious accommodations, some with partial ocean views, and easy access to the beach for sunset strolls. Guests can start their mornings with a hearty breakfast before heading out for another coastal adventure. Whether you’re here for the puffins, the landscapes, or the laid-back atmosphere, Bandon in the spring is a destination that makes the most of Oregon’s natural beauty. Book your stay today!
Where to See Tufted Puffins in Oregon
Tufted puffins are one of the most charismatic seabirds on the Oregon Coast, with their striking black plumage, bright white facial markings, and golden tufts that curve back from their heads during the breeding season. Their oversized, orange bills add to their quirky charm, making them a favorite among birdwatchers. Unlike their Atlantic cousins, tufted puffins spend most of their lives at sea, diving deep to catch fish with powerful wings, which act like flippers underwater.
During the spring and summer, puffins return to the Oregon Coast to breed, gathering in colonies on rocky offshore islands where they dig burrows to raise their young. Although Tufted Puffins have long been a staple of the Pacific coastline, their numbers have declined in recent decades. Habitat loss, changing ocean conditions, and food scarcity have contributed to population decreases of puffins in Oregon, making sightings even more special for those lucky enough to spot them. While tufted puffins are not officially listed as endangered in Oregon, they are considered a species of concern, and conservation efforts focus on protecting their nesting sites and food sources.
The best time to see Tufted Puffins in Oregon is from late spring through early summer, typically between April and August, when they return to their nesting sites. They prefer steep, rocky cliffs and offshore sea stacks, where they are safer from predators. Haystack Rock in Cannon Beach is one of the most accessible locations for viewing puffins, but it’s also much more crowded than the rocky nesting sites near Bandon.
Bandon’s Face Rock and Coquille Point, which you can access from Bullards Beach State Park, offer equally impressive opportunities to see Tufted Puffins in Oregon, with fewer crowds and plenty of breathtaking coastal scenery. Spotting a tufted puffin in the wild is an unforgettable experience. Seeing them dart through the air, dive into the waves, or perch on a rocky outcrop gives visitors a deeper appreciation for the rugged beauty of the Oregon Coast. Their comical expressions and striking features make them a delight to observe, but their presence also serves as a reminder of the delicate balance of marine ecosystems.
More Places for Birdwatching in Bandon, Oregon
It’s hard to beat the chance to see nesting puffins in Oregon—they are truly one of the many delights of spring on the Oregon Coast. However, there are far more birdwatching opportunities to enjoy in the area this spring. The Bandon area offers diverse habitats that attract a wide variety of migrating and nesting birds.
As winter fades, shorebirds, raptors, and songbirds return, filling the coastal estuaries, forests, and beaches with activity. The changing tides at Bandon Marsh draw thousands of shorebirds while ospreys and bald eagles patrol the skies. Offshore, seabirds like common murres gather on rocky islands, preparing for the breeding season. With mild temperatures and longer days, spring offers the perfect conditions for spotting everything from tiny warblers flitting through coastal woodlands to majestic great blue herons wading through the marshes.
One of the best places for birdwatching in the Bandon Area is the Bandon Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. It’s located across the river from the Coquille River Lighthouse at Bullards Beach State Park and is a top destination for annual shorebird migrations. This estuarine habitat is home to sandpipers, dowitchers, and plovers, and the habitats here also attract bald eagles and great egrets. Plenty of land and marine mammals also visit these marshy shores, rounding out a fantastic wildlife-focused afternoon in the area.
Tens of thousands of shorebirds migrate through the Bandon area each year. Other fantastic places to witness this migration include the following:
- Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint
- Bullards Beach State Park and Coquille Point
- Millicoma Marsh near Coos Bay
- Cape Arago State Park
- New River Area of Critical Environmental Concern
Each of these locations offers a different perspective on the region’s birdlife. As you enjoy the sights and sounds of Mother Nature returning to the Southern Oregon Coast this spring, we invite you to relax, unwind, and experience one of the best hotels in Bandon, Oregon. Book your stay at the Inn at Face Rock today!
