Carmel River - Hwy 1 riparian (wading) and/or permit-only Odello

California · Southwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Carmel River - Hwy 1 riparian (wading) and/or permit-only Odello is a productive birding destination in California, with 297 species recorded on eBird. This river/riparian habitat attracts Mallard, Eurasian Collared-Dove, and Western Gull 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

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

3/6/2026Pebble Beach--Bird & Seal Rocks1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/5/2026Laguna Grande Park1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

3/5/2026Monterey--El Estero Lake and/or Monterey cemeteries1 observed

Broad-billed Hummingbird

Cynanthus latirostris

3/4/2026stakeout Broad-billed Hummingbird, Salinas (2026)1 observed

Bell's Sparrow

Artemisiospiza belli

3/4/2026Fort Ord Dunes SP1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

3/4/2026Fort Ord Dunes SP2 observed

Mountain Bluebird

Sialia currucoides

3/4/2026Naval Support Activity Monterey & Del Monte Lake (Restricted Access)1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler (albilora)

Setophaga dominica

3/4/2026Monterey--El Estero Lake and/or Monterey cemeteries1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/4/2026Pacific Grove--Greenwood Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

23/1/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

13/1/2026

Western Gull

13/1/2026

California Gull

23/1/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/1/2026

Great Horned Owl

23/1/2026

Downy Woodpecker

13/1/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

23/1/2026

California Scrub-Jay

23/1/2026

American Crow

23/1/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

93/1/2026

Oak Titmouse

13/1/2026

Bushtit

123/1/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

33/1/2026

Bewick's Wren

43/1/2026

Hermit Thrush

23/1/2026

American Goldfinch

23/1/2026

Song Sparrow

43/1/2026

Canada Goose

23/1/2026

Cinnamon Teal

23/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.

  2. 2

    Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Carmel River - Hwy 1 riparian (wading) and/or permit-only Odello for birding?
The best months to visit Carmel River - Hwy 1 riparian (wading) and/or permit-only Odello for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Carmel River - Hwy 1 riparian (wading) and/or permit-only Odello?
Notable species at Carmel River - Hwy 1 riparian (wading) and/or permit-only Odello include Mallard, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Western Gull, California Gull, Red-shouldered Hawk. The area supports river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Carmel River - Hwy 1 riparian (wading) and/or permit-only Odello?
Birding at Carmel River - Hwy 1 riparian (wading) and/or permit-only Odello is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Carmel River - Hwy 1 riparian (wading) and/or permit-only Odello?
Carmel River - Hwy 1 riparian (wading) and/or permit-only Odello offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.