Regrets? A few. Egrets? Loads.

Great Egret • Photo by Ruth Shelly

 Fall migration is getting underway, and that means plenty of new arrivals — and departures — for birders to discover along the Oregon Coast.

Seven Capes Bird Alliance will offer two free bird walks this Friday, Sept. 11, and Saturday, Sept. 12, exploring coastal habitats from Cascade Head near Lincoln City to Sitka Sedge State Natural Area near Pacific City.

Friday’s walk will explore the Cascade Head Interpretive Wayside, part of the Salmon River Estuary Restoration Area just north of Lincoln City.

Birders will keep their eyes and ears open for migrating warblers and other songbirds as they explore an area where forest and estuary habitats provide opportunities to encounter a variety of species.

The route begins on paved surfaces before heading into the woods for a roughly two-mile round trip, making it an approachable outing for people who are just beginning to explore birding as well as those with more experience.

On Saturday, Sept. 12, the group will head north to Sitka Sedge State Natural Area near Pacific City, where 378 acres of varied coastal habitat provide plenty of places for birds and other wildlife to feed, rest and shelter.

The natural area encompasses tidal flats, saltwater marshes and forested wetlands, with trails eventually reaching the ocean.

Birders will look for egrets and herons as well as songbirds and migrating shorebirds taking advantage of the area’s varied habitats.

The route begins on a wide path beside the bay before continuing into the woods on a narrower dirt trail. The outing is a little more than two miles round trip, and walking sticks are recommended for the wooded portion.

Both walks are free and family-friendly, and no birding experience or advance registration is required. Seven Capes Bird Alliance will have binoculars and guidebooks available for participants who need them.

The walks are rated easy to moderately easy and will take place rain or shine. Participants should dress for coastal weather and be prepared for the possibility of muddy trails.

Friday’s Cascade Head walk runs from 9 to 11 am and will meet at the Cascade Head Interpretive Wayside on N Fraser Road, just off Highway 101 north of Lincoln City.

Saturday’s Sitka Sedge walk runs from 10 am to noon and will meet in the parking area off Sandlake Road near Pacific City.

For more information, go to sevencapes.org.