Wetland birding habitat

Carmel River SB (beach, lagoon, and/or Cross Hill)

California · Southwest

Habitat
WetlandCoastalRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Carmel River SB (beach, lagoon, and/or Cross Hill) is a productive birding destination in California, with 291 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, 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

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

6/1/2026Palo Corona RP--Front Ranch Unit1 observed

Horned Puffin

Fratercula corniculata

5/31/2026Pt. Pinos--seawatch only1 observed

Crested Caracara

Caracara plancus

5/31/2026Andrew Molera SP--old BSOL/Discovery Ctr vicinity (do not use for coast)1 observed

South Polar Skua

Stercorarius maccormicki

5/31/2026Monterey Bay pelagic (MTY Co., 2+ mi offshore)1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/31/2026Andrew Molera SP--Big Sur River mouth3 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/31/2026Rocky Pt.8 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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

65/31/2026

Mallard

45/31/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

25/31/2026

Snowy Egret

15/31/2026

Great Egret

15/31/2026

Black Phoebe

15/31/2026

American Crow

35/31/2026

Violet-green Swallow

35/31/2026

Barn Swallow

25/31/2026

Pygmy Nuthatch

25/31/2026

House Finch

45/31/2026

Song Sparrow

35/31/2026

Common Yellowthroat

25/31/2026

Surf Scoter

45/31/2026

Black Oystercatcher

25/31/2026

Brown Pelican

405/31/2026

White-throated Swift

15/28/2026

Killdeer

25/28/2026

Bonaparte's Gull

15/28/2026

Heermann's Gull

125/28/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 SB (beach, lagoon, and/or Cross Hill) for birding?
The best months to visit Carmel River SB (beach, lagoon, and/or Cross Hill) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Carmel River SB (beach, lagoon, and/or Cross Hill)?
Notable species at Carmel River SB (beach, lagoon, and/or Cross Hill) include Canada Goose, Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, American Coot, Western Gull. The area supports wetland, coastal, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Carmel River SB (beach, lagoon, and/or Cross Hill)?
Birding at Carmel River SB (beach, lagoon, and/or Cross Hill) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Carmel River SB (beach, lagoon, and/or Cross Hill)?
Carmel River SB (beach, lagoon, and/or Cross Hill) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.