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

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

7/15/2026Windy Hill OSP--Sausal Pond1 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

7/15/2026UC Santa Cruz--Arboretum1 observed

Cassin's Kingbird

Tyrannus vociferans

7/14/2026Sand Hill Bluff1 observed

Northern Pygmy-Owl

Glaucidium gnoma

7/14/2026Gazos Creek Mountain Camp--meadow1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

7/13/2026Ano Nuevo SP--Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails3 observed

Purple Martin

Progne subis

7/13/2026Ano Nuevo SP--Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails2 observed

Pink-footed Shearwater

Ardenna creatopus

7/13/2026Pigeon Pt.1 observed

Vaux's Swift

Chaetura vauxi

7/13/2026Windy Hill OSP--Sausal Pond1 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

7/12/2026Ano Nuevo SP--Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails8 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

77/13/2026

Ruddy Duck

37/13/2026

California Quail

247/13/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

27/13/2026

American Coot

27/13/2026

Black Oystercatcher

27/13/2026

Heermann's Gull

507/13/2026

Western Gull

657/13/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

27/13/2026

Western Grebe

27/13/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

67/13/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

17/13/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

37/13/2026

Green Heron

17/13/2026

Brown Pelican

1207/13/2026

Turkey Vulture

47/13/2026

Osprey

17/13/2026

White-tailed Kite

17/13/2026

Northern Harrier

17/13/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

27/13/2026

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.