Oregon Coast
Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex
With its remarkable vistas and superb recreational opportunities, the Oregon coast attracts millions of visitors each year. However, few are aware of the National Wildlife Refuges that span 320 miles of the rugged coastline. The Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex comprises six National Wildlife Refuges protecting a variety of coastal habitats. ... Stretching from Tillamook Head south to the California border, three of the refuges are marineand three are estuarine.The marine refuges ( Oregon Islands , Cape Meares, Three Arch Rocks) protect coastal rocks, reefs, islands and several headland areas. These habitats support some of the most importantseabird nesting colonies in the United States. Over a million seabirds, including common murres, tufted puffins, cormorants, and storm-petrels nest here. Coastal rocks provide breeding and haul-out sites for harbor seals and Steller and California sea lions. These pinnipeds create quite a spectacle during the spring breeding season when hundreds haul their massive blubbery bodies onto the safety of the rocks to mate. ... [Read More]
Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex: Frequently Asked Questions
The Oregon Coast is prime whale-watching territory. You can see up to four species of whale along the coast. The most common species is the California Gray Whale. One awesome aspect of many whale species is their long annual migrations. The annual migration of Gray Whales can be witnessed from practically any spot along the Oregon coast. The whales migrate to and from their feeding grounds in Alaska's Bering and Chukchi Seas and their breeding and calving grounds in Baja California. However, some pods of gray whales are considered residents, and remain near the Oregon coast throughout the year. The best viewing times along the Oregon Coast are during the months of December and March. ... [Read More]
Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex: Resources
• To find out about the Oregon Coastal Program's projects, visit the Oregon Coastal Program Fact Sheet . ... • Find out where to observe wildlife with the Wildlife Watching on the Oregon Coast map. ... • Maps of the Oregon Coast refuges are available on the Maps and Directions page. ... [Read More]
Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex: Education
During the 2005 school year, educators from the Oregon Coast NWRC took the program into ten classes in four schools along the Oregon Coast. The program consisted of five classroom sessions involving shorebird-related games, discussions, acting, and writing. The students became young experts on shorebird characteristics, adaptations, habitat, migration, research, feeding, identification, and conservation. During April and May the students attended field trips to local wetlands and studied the migrating shorebirds in their habitat. With the aid of live birds, a rich habitat, and the assistance of local birdwatchers, the Shorebird Sister Schools curriculum came to life. ... [Read More]
Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex: Links
Wildlife Rehab Center of the North Coast ... Oregoncoast@fws.gov . ... Oregon Coast Aquarium ... [Read More]
Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex: Contact Information
Oregoncoast@fws.gov . ... Oregon Coast NWR Complex ... S. Coast Unit Refuge Manager ... [Read More]
Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex: Maps and Directions
Directions to Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuges ... Directions to the Oregon Coastal Field Office: ... Oregoncoast@fws.gov . ... [Read More]
Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex: Events
4/23/05 - Cannon Beach Earth Day Festival - with the North Coast Watershed Council ... 8/1/05 - Last day to nominate sites for the Oregon Coast Birding Trail ... Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex, 2127 SE Marine Science Drive, Newport, OR, 97365 ... [Read More]
Oregon Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex: Wildlife
Western Snowy Plover ( Charadrius alexandrinus nivosus ) - The Pacific Coast population of the Western Snowy Plover breeds from southern Washington to Baja California. The population was federally listed as threatened in 1993. Historic records indicate that nesting Western Snowy Plovers were once more widely distributed throughout their range. There were between 24 and 28 breeding sites in Oregon. Now only nine exist, primarily as a result of habitat loss. Today, approximately 100 breeding adults are found in Oregon. Most remain year-round, with some migrating north or south in the winter. These birds use sandy coastal beaches and dry mudflats for breeding and non-breeding habitat. Like the Semipalmated Plover, the Western Snowy Plover does not probe into the substrate for food. Instead it relies on sight to forage, scanning the ground for invertebrates. Nests are generally made in open, sandy areas. A typical clutch size is three, with chicks requiring 30 days to fledge. Adults will ... [Read More]
Oregon Parks and Recreation Department: State Parks Oregon Beach Safety
The Oregon coast is a natural wonder drawing visitors from around the world to enjoy the rugged beauty. Whale watching, crabbing, beachcombing, surfing or just enjoying the sun and the sand are just a few things the Oregon coast offers. ... The U.S. Coast Guard and local rescue personnel save many people each year who didn´t respect the ocean´s power. Stay out of rip currents that can carry unsuspecting swimmers out to sea, and keep watch for sneaker waves that can travel far up the beach. Stay off and away from logs that can roll in a wave. These dangers are very real, but are easily avoided by following simple tips and using your common sense. ... [Read More]
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