Ano Nuevo State Park - Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails

California · Southwest

EasyView on eBird Directions

Habitat

DesertChaparral

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Ano Nuevo State Park - Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails is a productive birding destination in California, with 304 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mallard, Surf Scoter, and Bufflehead among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Mallard Surf Scoter Bufflehead Ruddy Duck Anna's Hummingbird

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

4/17/2026Audubon Williams Sisters Ranch (restricted access)1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

4/17/2026La Honda Creek OSP (lower)1 observed

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/16/2026Henry Cowell Redwoods SP--Zayante Trail1 observed

Cassin's Vireo

Vireo cassinii

4/16/2026Long Ridge OSP--Peter's Creek Trailhead (SM Co.)1 observed

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

4/16/2026La Honda Creek OSP (lower)1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

4/15/2026Swanton Road near Last Chance Road1 observed

Red-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta canadensis

4/14/2026Long Ridge OSP--Peter's Creek Trailhead (SM Co.)1 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

4/14/2026Swanton Road at Molino Creek1 observed

Lazuli Bunting

Passerina amoena

4/12/2026La Honda Creek OSP (lower)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/13/2026

Mallard

24/13/2026

Black Oystercatcher

104/13/2026

Killdeer

34/13/2026

Long-billed Curlew

14/13/2026

Black Turnstone

14/13/2026

Western Sandpiper

104/13/2026

Western Gull

104/13/2026

Caspian Tern

24/13/2026

Eared Grebe

34/13/2026

Western Grebe

14/13/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

24/13/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

24/13/2026

Snowy Egret

14/13/2026

Great Blue Heron

14/13/2026

Brown Pelican

1254/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

54/13/2026

Northern Flicker

14/13/2026

Hutton's Vireo

14/13/2026

Common Raven

34/13/2026

Birding Tips

1
Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.
2
Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Visitor Center

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California Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in California →

Birding Guides

How to Attract Hummingbirds

10 min read

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Bird Identification: The Four Keys

11 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Ano Nuevo State Park - Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails for birding?▼

The best months to visit Ano Nuevo State Park - Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Ano Nuevo State Park - Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails?▼

Notable species at Ano Nuevo State Park - Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails include Mallard, Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, Anna's Hummingbird. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.

How difficult is birding at Ano Nuevo State Park - Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails?▼

Birding at Ano Nuevo State Park - Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.

What amenities are available at Ano Nuevo State Park - Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails?▼

Ano Nuevo State Park - Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.