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

California · Southwest

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Habitat

River/Riparian

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

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

Mallard Eurasian Collared-Dove Western Gull California Gull Red-shouldered Hawk

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

White-crowned Sparrow

Zonotrichia leucophrys

5/28/2026Mal Paso Canyon (private)3 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/27/2026Asilomar Conference Grounds [limited to grounds; use Asilomar SB hotspots for shore]1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

5/27/2026Pacific Grove--El Carmelo Cemetery1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

5/27/2026Pt. Lobos State Reserve1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/27/2026Monterey--Presidio (lower)1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

5/27/2026Fort Ord Dunes SP1 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/26/2026Rocky Pt.1 observed

Manx Shearwater

Puffinus puffinus

5/26/2026Pt. Pinos--seawatch only1 observed

Laysan Albatross

Phoebastria immutabilis

5/26/2026Pt. Pinos--seawatch only1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

15/16/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

45/16/2026

Western Gull

25/16/2026

Turkey Vulture

15/16/2026

Western Flycatcher

55/16/2026

Hutton's Vireo

15/16/2026

Western Warbling Vireo

85/16/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

75/16/2026

Bushtit

35/16/2026

Bewick's Wren

15/16/2026

Song Sparrow

45/16/2026

Spotted Towhee

25/16/2026

Wilson's Warbler

55/16/2026

Black-headed Grosbeak

25/16/2026

Birding Tips

1
Walk along the water slowly, scanning overhanging branches for kingfishers and warblers.
2
Check sandbars and gravel bars for shorebirds and terns.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

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California Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in California →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

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.