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

Eurasian Whimbrel (Siberian)

Numenius phaeopus

7/19/2026Point St. George1 observed

Red-breasted Merganser

Mergus serrator

7/19/2026Lake Tolowa Mouth1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

7/19/2026Lake Tolowa Mouth1 observed

Pacific Golden-Plover

Pluvialis fulva

7/19/2026Lake Tolowa Mouth1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

7/18/2026Terwer Valley1 observed

Eurasian Whimbrel

Numenius phaeopus

7/18/2026Point St. George1 observed

White-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta carolinensis

7/16/2026G-O Rd. (DN Co.)1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

7/16/2026Lake Tolowa Mouth1 observed

Common Tern

Sterna hirundo

7/14/2026Lake Tolowa Mouth1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

7/13/2026Smith River estuary and mouth1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Surf Scoter

97/19/2026

Rock Pigeon

27/19/2026

Black Oystercatcher

27/19/2026

Ruddy Turnstone

27/19/2026

Black Turnstone

97/19/2026

Heermann's Gull

47/19/2026

Western Gull

67/19/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

47/19/2026

Brown Pelican

77/19/2026

Common Raven

37/19/2026

American Crow

7/19/2026

Black-capped Chickadee

37/19/2026

European Starling

7/19/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

17/19/2026

Pigeon Guillemot

17/19/2026

Common Murre

57/19/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

27/19/2026

House Sparrow

17/19/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

17/19/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

87/19/2026

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.