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

California · Southwest

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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

Northern Shoveler

Spatula clypeata

6/1/2026Younger Lagoon (restricted; access only to the overhang)1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

5/31/2026La Honda Creek OSP--Allen Road gate1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

5/31/2026Ano Nuevo SP--Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails3 observed

Cassin's Vireo

Vireo cassinii

5/31/2026Long Ridge OSP--Peter's Creek Trailhead (SM Co.)1 observed

Wandering Tattler

Tringa incana

5/31/2026Pigeon Pt.1 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

5/31/2026Ano Nuevo SP--Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails4 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/31/2026Ano Nuevo SP--Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

5/31/2026Ano Nuevo SP--Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails1 observed

Northern Yellow Warbler

Setophaga aestiva

5/31/2026Audubon Williams Sisters Ranch (restricted access)1 observed

Ring-necked Duck

Aythya collaris

5/31/2026Wilder Ranch SP--Four Mile Beach1 observed

Rhinoceros Auklet

Cerorhinca monocerata

5/31/2026Pigeon Pt.24 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black Oystercatcher

55/31/2026

Black-bellied Plover

45/31/2026

Killdeer

25/31/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

25/31/2026

Pigeon Guillemot

65/31/2026

Western Gull

1005/31/2026

California Gull

105/31/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

15/31/2026

Caspian Tern

15/31/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

105/31/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

25/31/2026

Brown Pelican

505/31/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/31/2026

California Scrub-Jay

15/31/2026

American Crow

35/31/2026

Common Raven

95/31/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

15/31/2026

Barn Swallow

65/31/2026

Cliff Swallow

45/31/2026

Bushtit

65/31/2026

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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Complete guide to birding in California →

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How to Attract Hummingbirds

10 min read

Fall Bird Migration Guide

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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.