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

Cocos Booby

Sula brewsteri

5/30/2026Monterey Bay pelagic (SCZ Co., 2+ mi offshore)1 observed

Manx Shearwater

Puffinus puffinus

5/30/2026Pt. Pinos--seawatch only2 observed

Ashy Storm-Petrel

Hydrobates homochroa

5/30/2026Pt. Pinos--seawatch only1 observed

Hawaiian Petrel

Pterodroma sandwichensis

5/30/2026Pt. Pinos--seawatch only1 observed

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

5/30/2026Carmel Valley--Quail Lodge1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

5/30/2026Pt. Lobos State Reserve1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/30/2026Toro County Park, Salinas US-CA 36.60311, -121.692831 observed

Red Crossbill

Loxia curvirostra

5/30/2026685 Larkin Street, Monterey, California, US (36.596, -121.901)1 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/30/2026Rocky Pt.6 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

5/29/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

5/29/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Red Phalarope

Phalaropus fulicarius

5/29/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Brown Pelican (California)

Pelecanus occidentalis

5/29/2026Carmel Valley--Quail Lodge1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Hudsonian Whimbrel

35/25/2026

Western Gull

205/25/2026

Brown Pelican

3005/25/2026

American Crow

45/25/2026

Black Oystercatcher

15/23/2026

California Gull

65/23/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/23/2026

House Sparrow

15/23/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

15/23/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

25/23/2026

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.