Coastal birding habitat

Asilomar SB - sandy beach only

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Asilomar SB - sandy beach only is a productive birding destination in California, with 219 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Hudsonian Whimbrel, Western Gull, and Black-bellied Plover among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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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

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

7/17/2026Pebble Beach--Bird & Seal Rocks1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

7/17/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

7/17/2026Seaside State Beach (hotel & seawatch)1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

7/17/2026Zmudowski SB1 observed

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

7/16/2026Naval Support Activity Monterey & Del Monte Lake (Restricted Access)1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

7/15/2026my backyard1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

7/15/2026Monterey--Presidio (lower)1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

7/15/2026Elkhorn Slough--general (east of Hwy 1 only)1 observed

Cocos Booby

Sula brewsteri

7/14/2026Pt. Pinos--seawatch only1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Long-billed Curlew

17/16/2026

Heermann's Gull

17/16/2026

Western Gull

107/16/2026

California Gull

27/16/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/16/2026

Killdeer

27/16/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

77/16/2026

Western Sandpiper

27/16/2026

Brown Pelican

17/16/2026

Black Phoebe

27/16/2026

American Crow

47/16/2026

Barn Swallow

37/16/2026

House Finch

47/16/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

27/16/2026

Song Sparrow

27/16/2026

Mallard

47/16/2026

Black Oystercatcher

27/16/2026

Willet

17/16/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

97/16/2026

Snowy Egret

17/16/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Asilomar SB - sandy beach only for birding?
The best months to visit Asilomar SB - sandy beach only for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Asilomar SB - sandy beach only?
Notable species at Asilomar SB - sandy beach only include Hudsonian Whimbrel, Western Gull, Black-bellied Plover, Western Grebe, Barn Swallow. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Asilomar SB - sandy beach only?
Birding at Asilomar SB - sandy beach only is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Asilomar SB - sandy beach only?
Asilomar SB - sandy beach only offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.