Feathers and Wings: Discover the Avian Wonders of Kiwanda, Oregon

With its rugged cliffs, sprawling beaches, lush forests, and open grasslands, Kiwanda is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers alike. Here, you can discover a wide array of bird species, each perfectly adapted to the area’s varied environments. This guide is your key to exploring the vibrant birdlife of Kiwanda, offering tips on the best times to spot these winged wonders and advice on how to get the best photos of them in their natural habitats.

Understanding Kiwanda’s Bird Habitats

The Coastal Interface: Kiwanda’s dramatic coastline is a haven for seabirds. Here, one can spot Tufted Puffins, Common Murres, and the occasional glimpse of a Peregrine Falcon. The rocky outcrops and steep cliffs provide perfect nesting grounds for these birds, often seen diving into the ocean to catch their prey.

Did you Know? Kiwanda is one of the few places in the world where you might catch a glimpse of the elusive Tufted Puffin.

What are Tufted Puffins?

Tufted Puffins are easily recognizable by their large, colorful bills and the distinctive tufts of feathers that curl back from their crowns during the breeding season. Their plumage is primarily black with a white face mask.

Habitat: Puffins are seabirds that prefer offshore islands or remote coastal areas for nesting, making the rocky islands around Kiwanda ideal from April to early July. 

Behavior: They are adept swimmers, using their wings to ‘fly’ underwater while hunting for fish and squid. They are clumsy on land, nesting in burrows where they lay a single egg each breeding season.

The Forested Areas: Moving inland, the dense forests of Kiwanda are bustling with activity. Species such as the Northern Spotted Owl and the Steller’s Jay dominate the canopy, while the understory may reveal the presence of smaller species like the Pacific Wren and Varied Thrush.

Grasslands and Open Fields: These areas are particularly important during migrations. The open vistas provide a rest stop for species like the American Goldfinch and the Red-tailed Hawk. Early mornings in these fields can be spectacular, with birds actively foraging and preparing for the day ahead.

Prime Viewing Locations

A premier spot for birdwatching is the Nestucca Bay National Wildlife Refuge, particularly from the viewing platform on Cannery Ridge. Here, birds often fly right overhead, offering spectacular views of the migration. The most common species you might see include:

• Red-tailed Hawks: Known for their broad, rounded wings and short, wide tails, these hawks are often seen soaring above or perched on fence posts and trees.
• Turkey Vultures: With their large size and long wings, these birds are often spotted in flight, distinguished by their light flight feathers contrasting against their darker bodies.
• Cooper’s Hawks and Sharp-shinned Hawks: These birds are agile flyers, often seen darting through wooded areas in pursuit of other birds.
• Northern Harriers: With their distinctive facial discs, these raptors glide low over fields and marshes, relying on their keen hearing to locate prey.
• Ospreys: Often spotted near water, they are notable for their dramatic dives to catch fish.
• Bald Eagles: These impressive raptors may be year-round residents rather than true migrants in the area.
• Red-shouldered Hawks, Peregrine Falcons, Merlins, and American Kestrels: Each of these species adds to the dynamic raptor scenery along the coast.

Best Times for Birdwatching in Kiwanda

Timing your visit is crucial for a fulfilling birdwatching experience. The spring months of April and May are particularly vibrant as migratory birds pass through the area. 

From mid-August to early November, the Oregon Coast experiences a few rare east wind days. These days are characterized by clear skies and temperatures in the mid-to-high seventies. They offer some of the year’s most delightful weather and a unique window into wildlife migrations.

During the fall, approximately one hundred species of land birds migrate south along the coast or across the Coast Range. Although this migration primarily occurs at night and is often spread out, the east wind days bring an incredible opportunity to observe these migrations, particularly those of diurnal raptors such as vultures, ospreys, hawks, and falcons, which become much more visible.

Birdwatching Tips for Beginners and Enthusiasts

• Start Early or Stay Late: The early morning or evening hours are the best time to see birds active. The soft lighting during these hours also makes for excellent photographs.
• Keep Quiet and Move Slowly: Birds are easily startled. Quiet movements and patience go a long way in ensuring they stay put and act naturally.
• Use the Right Equipment: A good pair of binoculars and a camera with a telephoto lens are essential tools for birdwatching and bird photography.

Photography Tips for Capturing Kiwanda’s Birds

• Focus on the Eyes: When taking photos of birds, ensure the focus is sharp on their eyes to capture their essence clearly.
• Understand Your Camera’s Settings: Play with shutter speeds to capture sharp images of fast-moving birds or create motion blur that conveys the speed of flight.
• Consider the Background: A cluttered background can distract from the subject. Try to position yourself so that the background is smooth and unobtrusive.

Plan Your Birdwatching Trip to Kiwanda Today

After a day immersed in nature, having a comfortable resting place is crucial. Check out these accommodations in Kiwanda to find the perfect spot to relax and recharge for another day of exploration. Whether you plan to stay a weekend or extend your visit to fully embrace the birdwatching opportunities, Kiwanda has much to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions about Birdwatching in Kiwanda, Oregon: