Coastal birding habitat

Campbell Cove and Hole in the Head - ONLY

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Campbell Cove and Hole in the Head - ONLY is a productive birding destination in California, with 284 species recorded on eBird. This coastal 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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Swainson's Thrush

Catharus ustulatus

4/17/2026Salmon Creek Road--from Fitzpatrick Lane to end of public road (including Fitzpatrick Lane)2 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

4/17/2026Doran Regional Park - entrance pond to jetty5 observed

Common Black x Red-shouldered Hawk (hybrid)

Buteogallus anthracinus x Buteo lineatus

4/13/2026Santa Rosa Creek Trail and Delta Pond (west of Willowside Rd)1 observed

Pacific Golden-Plover

Pluvialis fulva

4/11/2026Bird Walk Coastal Access and Smith Brothers Road1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

24/16/2026

California Quail

14/16/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

24/16/2026

California Scrub-Jay

14/16/2026

American Crow

24/16/2026

Barn Swallow

24/16/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

44/16/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

64/16/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

14/16/2026

Mourning Dove

14/16/2026

Western Gull

44/16/2026

Black Oystercatcher

24/15/2026

Killdeer

14/15/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

124/15/2026

American Herring Gull

44/15/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

34/15/2026

Common Loon

24/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

14/15/2026

Bewick's Wren

14/15/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

34/15/2026

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 Campbell Cove and Hole in the Head - ONLY for birding?
The best months to visit Campbell Cove and Hole in the Head - ONLY for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Campbell Cove and Hole in the Head - ONLY?
Notable species at Campbell Cove and Hole in the Head - ONLY include Mallard, Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, Red-breasted Merganser, Western Gull. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Campbell Cove and Hole in the Head - ONLY?
Birding at Campbell Cove and Hole in the Head - ONLY is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Campbell Cove and Hole in the Head - ONLY?
Campbell Cove and Hole in the Head - ONLY offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.