a sandy beach next to the ocean surrounded by trees

Andrew Molera State Park - Big Sur River mouth

California · Southwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

$10 per vehicle

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Andrew Molera State Park - Big Sur River mouth is a productive birding destination in California, with 363 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Mallard, Common Merganser, and California Quail among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Brewer's Sparrow

Spizella breweri

8/22/2026Palo Corona RP--Front Ranch Unit1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

8/20/2026Carmel River SB (beach, lagoon, and/or Cross Hill)1 observed

Hermit Warbler

Setophaga occidentalis

8/12/2026Pt. Lobos State Reserve1 observed

Townsend's Warbler

Setophaga townsendi

8/11/2026Pt. Lobos State Reserve1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

8/11/2026Carmel River SB (beach, lagoon, and/or Cross Hill)1 observed

Long-billed Curlew

Numenius americanus

8/10/2026Los Padres NF--Pfeiffer Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

California Gull

48/17/2026

Western Gull

28/16/2026

Black Phoebe

18/16/2026

Steller's Jay

18/14/2026

California Condor

18/10/2026

Band-tailed Pigeon

58/10/2026

Black Oystercatcher

18/10/2026

Long-billed Curlew

18/10/2026

Heermann's Gull

18/10/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

38/10/2026

Turkey Vulture

38/9/2026

Violet-green Swallow

68/9/2026

Barn Swallow

68/9/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

18/9/2026

Belted Kingfisher

18/9/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

8/9/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

48/9/2026

Canyon Wren

28/9/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

  4. 4

    Purchase your day pass online in advance to avoid wait times at the entrance station.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Andrew Molera State Park - Big Sur River mouth for birding?
The best months to visit Andrew Molera State Park - Big Sur River mouth for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Andrew Molera State Park - Big Sur River mouth?
Notable species at Andrew Molera State Park - Big Sur River mouth include Mallard, Common Merganser, California Quail, Band-tailed Pigeon, Anna's Hummingbird, Turkey Vulture, Golden Eagle, Red-tailed Hawk, Belted Kingfisher, Red-naped Sapsucker, Acorn Woodpecker, Steller's Jay. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Andrew Molera State Park - Big Sur River mouth?
Birding at Andrew Molera State Park - Big Sur River mouth is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Andrew Molera State Park - Big Sur River mouth?
The entrance fee at Andrew Molera State Park - Big Sur River mouth is $10 per vehicle. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Andrew Molera State Park - Big Sur River mouth?
Andrew Molera State Park - Big Sur River mouth offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.