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

Loading map...

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

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

6/17/2026Andrew Molera SP--Big Sur River mouth1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

6/17/2026Palo Corona RP--Front Ranch Unit1 observed

Sharp-shinned Hawk

Accipiter striatus

6/8/202631768 Robinson Canyon Road, Carmel, California, US (36.47, -121.801)1 observed

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

6/7/2026Mal Paso Canyon (private)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

California Quail

16/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/17/2026

Northern Harrier

16/17/2026

Downy Woodpecker

16/17/2026

Western Flycatcher

26/17/2026

Western Warbling Vireo

16/17/2026

American Crow

16/17/2026

Common Raven

26/17/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

46/17/2026

Violet-green Swallow

86/17/2026

Wrentit

26/17/2026

Bewick's Wren

36/17/2026

European Starling

76/17/2026

Western Bluebird

16/17/2026

Swainson's Thrush

16/17/2026

Purple Finch

26/17/2026

Pine Siskin

36/17/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

46/17/2026

Spotted Towhee

56/17/2026

Wilson's Warbler

56/17/2026

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.