China Creek
Seasons
Checklists
Location
Going south on Beach Loop Road in Bandon, continue south past Seabird Lane, and then past the parking lot for Devil’s Kitchen, Bandon State Natural Area. About 1/4-1/2 mile further south, there will be a pond on the east side of Beach Loop Road. You can park along the road or in the picnic area parking lot on the west side of the road.
DirectionsHabitat and Birds
The pond and the cattail marsh have some common dabbler ducks, Hooded Mergansers, Pied-billed Grebe, rails, passerines, and swallows. Around the parking lot, look for sparrows, passerines and raptors. Before China Creek empties into the ocean, just below the parking lot, is very good for shorebirds. This area is also good for odd shorebirds including Ruff, Long-billed Curlew, Willet, and Red Knot, as well as Whimbrels which are often common here. A Least Tern was once found at this location. This is the most easily accessed area for Snowy Plover in Coos County. They can be seen resting in the wrack line year-round. During the breeding season the entire beach south of China Creek is plover nesting habitat and is signed, roped and monitored. Please stay away from the nesting area, as nests can be anywhere on the beach. Dogs are restricted in this area. To the north of China Creek are many rocky outcrops in the water and along the beach, and you should easily find Black Oystercatcher and “rockpipers” in the area.
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