Coastal birding habitat

Crescent City Harbor

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Crescent City Harbor is a productive birding destination in California, with 234 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Surf Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, and Black-legged Kittiwake 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

Dunlin

Calidris alpina

5/29/2026Lake Tolowa Mouth1 observed

White-faced Ibis

Plegadis chihi

5/27/2026Alexandre Dairy4 observed

Elegant Tern

Thalasseus elegans

5/23/2026Battery Point Beach South1 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

5/21/2026Alexandre Dairy3 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

5/20/2026Klamath River--US 101 bridge2 observed

White-throated Swift

Aeronautes saxatalis

5/20/2026Klamath River--US 101 bridge3 observed

American Herring Gull

Larus smithsonianus

5/20/2026Klamath River Mouth --South Side for BBA1 observed

Franklin's Gull

Leucophaeus pipixcan

5/18/2026Tolowa Dunes SP--south2 observed

Ash-throated Flycatcher

Myiarchus cinerascens

5/18/2026Smith River Bottoms--Bailey Rd.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-crowned Sparrow

35/31/2026

Rock Pigeon

45/31/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

25/31/2026

Black Oystercatcher

15/31/2026

Western Gull

55/31/2026

California Gull

85/31/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

15/31/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

35/31/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/31/2026

American Crow

25/31/2026

Common Raven

45/31/2026

Tree Swallow

25/31/2026

European Starling

65/31/2026

Canada Goose

35/29/2026

Surf Scoter

165/29/2026

Pigeon Guillemot

35/29/2026

Common Loon

25/29/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

125/29/2026

Brown Pelican

35/29/2026

Turkey Vulture

45/29/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Crescent City Harbor for birding?
The best months to visit Crescent City Harbor for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Crescent City Harbor?
Notable species at Crescent City Harbor include Surf Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, Black-legged Kittiwake, Short-billed Gull, Western Gull. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Crescent City Harbor?
Birding at Crescent City Harbor is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Crescent City Harbor?
Crescent City Harbor offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.