These birds rock

Brown Pelican rookery • Photo by Ruth Shelly

The Seven Capes Bird Alliance will lead a guided walk to Newport’s Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area this Wednesday, May 20, offering the chance to see thousands of nesting seabirds.

Timed for peak nesting season, the morning outing offers close views of one of the Oregon Coast’s most active seabird colonies. Guests can expect to see common murres crowding colony rock, Brandt’s cormorants displaying their vivid turquoise throat patches and pelagic cormorants showing distinctive white flank markings. Black oystercatchers are especially vocal this time of year, defending nesting territories along the rocky shoreline.

Harbor seals are often visible from the viewing areas, and offshore, migrating loons can be spotted in their striking breeding plumage as they travel north.

The walk also focuses on responsible wildlife viewing and the importance of protecting Oregon’s fragile rocky habitats, offering insight into ongoing conservation efforts.

The outing is led by Eric Horvath, a zoologist with decades of experience in ornithological research and guided birding. His work has taken him across the United States and internationally, and his expertise spans birds, mammals and coastal ecosystems.

Wednesday’s walk runs from 8:30 to 10:30 am at Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, located at 750 N Lighthouse Drive. Participation is free, but registration is required. Binoculars will be provided, and guests are encouraged to dress for coastal weather. A $7 per vehicle entrance fee applies. For more information or to register, go to sevencapes.org/calendar/seabirdwalk2026.