Coastal birding habitat

Gazos Creek Beach - west of Hwy 1 only

California · Southwest

Habitat
CoastalRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Gazos Creek Beach - west of Hwy 1 only is a productive birding destination in California, with 217 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and river/riparian habitat attracts Mallard, Surf Scoter, and Anna's Hummingbird 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

Purple Martin

Progne subis

7/21/2026Año Nuevo SP--Año Nuevo Creek mouth and Cove Beach (Fossil Beach) only1 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

7/20/2026Ano Nuevo SP--Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails3 observed

Red Phalarope

Phalaropus fulicarius

7/19/2026Pigeon Pt.3 observed

Pink-footed Shearwater

Ardenna creatopus

7/19/2026Pigeon Pt.2 observed

Pomarine Jaeger

Stercorarius pomarinus

7/19/2026Pigeon Pt.2 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

7/19/2026Skyline Ridge OSP1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

7/18/2026Waddell SB1 observed

Bank Swallow

Riparia riparia

7/18/2026Ano Nuevo SP--Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails2 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

7/18/2026Portola Redwood SP1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Killdeer

47/21/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

117/21/2026

Marbled Godwit

17/21/2026

Least Sandpiper

17/21/2026

Heermann's Gull

4007/21/2026

Western Gull

207/21/2026

California Gull

257/21/2026

Caspian Tern

57/21/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

147/21/2026

Brown Pelican

3257/21/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/21/2026

Wrentit

17/21/2026

House Finch

57/21/2026

Spotted Towhee

37/21/2026

Surf Scoter

307/18/2026

Common Murre

37/18/2026

Black Phoebe

17/18/2026

Barn Swallow

17/18/2026

Cliff Swallow

47/18/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

127/18/2026

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 Gazos Creek Beach - west of Hwy 1 only for birding?
The best months to visit Gazos Creek Beach - west of Hwy 1 only for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Gazos Creek Beach - west of Hwy 1 only?
Notable species at Gazos Creek Beach - west of Hwy 1 only include Mallard, Surf Scoter, Anna's Hummingbird, Hudsonian Whimbrel, Long-billed Curlew. The area supports coastal, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Gazos Creek Beach - west of Hwy 1 only?
Birding at Gazos Creek Beach - west of Hwy 1 only is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Gazos Creek Beach - west of Hwy 1 only?
Gazos Creek Beach - west of Hwy 1 only offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.