Monterey - El Estero Lake and/or Monterey cemeteries

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Lake

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Monterey - El Estero Lake and/or Monterey cemeteries is a productive birding destination in California, with 224 species recorded on eBird. This lake habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mallard, and Ruddy Duck among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Canada Goose Mallard Ruddy Duck Anna's Hummingbird American Coot

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Horned Puffin

Fratercula corniculata

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

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

5/31/2026Zmudowski SB1 observed

South Polar Skua

Stercorarius maccormicki

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

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/31/2026Rocky Pt.8 observed

Cocos Booby

Sula brewsteri

5/30/2026Monterey Bay pelagic (SCZ Co., 2+ mi offshore)1 observed

Ashy Storm-Petrel

Hydrobates homochroa

5/30/2026Pt. Pinos--seawatch only1 observed

Manx Shearwater

Puffinus puffinus

5/30/2026Pt. Pinos--seawatch only2 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

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/30/2026Elkhorn Slough Reserve (NERR)1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

5/29/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

5/29/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Brown Pelican (California)

Pelecanus occidentalis

5/29/2026Carmel Valley--Quail Lodge1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

105/31/2026

Mallard

65/30/2026

Rock Pigeon

15/30/2026

American Coot

15/30/2026

Western Gull

15/30/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

25/30/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

25/30/2026

Nuttall's Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Black Phoebe

15/30/2026

California Scrub-Jay

15/30/2026

American Crow

25/30/2026

Violet-green Swallow

105/30/2026

Barn Swallow

25/30/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

25/30/2026

Song Sparrow

15/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

45/30/2026

Ruddy Duck

25/29/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

25/29/2026

Great Blue Heron

15/29/2026

Tree Swallow

45/29/2026

Birding Tips

1
Scan the water surface methodically for diving ducks, loons, and grebes.
2
Check the shoreline and mudflats for shorebirds and wading birds.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in California

Salton Sea

Desert oasis lake critical for Pacific Flyway shorebirds despite environmental challenges.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Pacific Coast peninsula with 490+ species and a magnet for rare vagrants.

Mono Lake

Ancient saline lake with millions of migratory birds and surreal tufa towers.

California Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in California →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

How to Attract Hummingbirds

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Monterey - El Estero Lake and/or Monterey cemeteries for birding?▼

The best months to visit Monterey - El Estero Lake and/or Monterey cemeteries for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Monterey - El Estero Lake and/or Monterey cemeteries?▼

Notable species at Monterey - El Estero Lake and/or Monterey cemeteries include Canada Goose, Mallard, Ruddy Duck, Anna's Hummingbird, American Coot. The area supports lake habitats.

How difficult is birding at Monterey - El Estero Lake and/or Monterey cemeteries?▼

Birding at Monterey - El Estero Lake and/or Monterey cemeteries is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

What amenities are available at Monterey - El Estero Lake and/or Monterey cemeteries?▼

Monterey - El Estero Lake and/or Monterey cemeteries offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.