River/Riparian birding habitat

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

California · Southwest

Habitat
River/Riparian
Best Seasons
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

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

7/19/2026Pebble Beach--Bird & Seal Rocks1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

7/19/2026Salinas WTP (no public access)1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

7/18/2026Seaside State Beach (hotel & seawatch)1 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

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

7/12/2026Carmel River SB (beach, lagoon, and/or Cross Hill)1 observed

Black-footed Albatross

Phoebastria nigripes

7/11/2026Monterey Bay pelagic--inshore Monterey to Moss Landing (MTY Co.)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Anna's Hummingbird

27/21/2026

Western Gull

17/21/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

67/21/2026

Steller's Jay

17/21/2026

California Scrub-Jay

17/21/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

27/21/2026

Oak Titmouse

17/21/2026

Pygmy Nuthatch

27/21/2026

Bewick's Wren

17/21/2026

House Finch

227/21/2026

Pine Siskin

17/21/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

17/21/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

67/21/2026

California Towhee

17/21/2026

Hooded Oriole

27/21/2026

Canada Goose

807/21/2026

Mallard

87/21/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

17/21/2026

California Quail

107/21/2026

Band-tailed Pigeon

17/21/2026

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.