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

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

7/14/2026Pebble Beach--Bird & Seal Rocks1 observed

Cocos Booby

Sula brewsteri

7/14/2026Pt. Pinos--seawatch only1 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

Black Storm-Petrel

Hydrobates melania

7/11/2026Auto selected 36.75842, -122.018381 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

7/9/2026Highway 11 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

7/9/202625845 Rio Vista Dr, Carmel US-CA 36.54805, -121.900131 observed

Virginia Rail

Rallus limicola

7/9/2026Andrew Molera SP--East Molera Trail1 observed

Costa's Hummingbird

Calypte costae

7/8/2026Carmel Valley--Holman Rd.1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

7/5/2026Cabrillo Highway, Monterey, California, US (36.366, -121.9)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

807/14/2026

Killdeer

17/14/2026

Heermann's Gull

207/14/2026

Western Gull

607/14/2026

Snowy Egret

27/14/2026

Brown Pelican

457/14/2026

House Finch

27/14/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

17/14/2026

Mallard

147/13/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

17/13/2026

Ruddy Duck

37/13/2026

California Quail

37/13/2026

Mourning Dove

27/13/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

27/13/2026

Virginia Rail

17/13/2026

American Coot

27/13/2026

Black Oystercatcher

57/13/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

17/13/2026

Western Sandpiper

17/13/2026

California Gull

57/13/2026

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.