Andrew Molera State Park - Big Sur River mouth

California · Southwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
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

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

3/5/2026US-CA-Carmel Valley-38374-38440 E Carmel Valley Rd - 36.3475x-121.54291 observed

Red-naped Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus nuchalis

3/4/2026Pfeiffer Big Sur SP1 observed

Black-throated Gray Warbler

Setophaga nigrescens

2/28/2026Garland Ranch Regional Park--Paso Hondo access and/or Dampierre Park and vicinity1 observed

Western Tanager

Piranga ludoviciana

2/24/2026Schulte Rd. (north of river) and/or Songbird Preserve (Big Sur Land Trust, permit access)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

22/22/2026

Common Merganser

12/22/2026

California Quail

582/22/2026

Band-tailed Pigeon

262/22/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

32/22/2026

Turkey Vulture

22/22/2026

Cooper's Hawk

12/22/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

22/22/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

32/22/2026

Belted Kingfisher

22/22/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

52/22/2026

Downy Woodpecker

22/22/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

82/22/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

32/22/2026

Northern Flicker

12/22/2026

Merlin

12/22/2026

Black Phoebe

32/22/2026

Hutton's Vireo

92/22/2026

Steller's Jay

82/22/2026

California Scrub-Jay

22/22/2026

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.