Monterey - El Estero Lake and/or Monterey cemeteries

California · Southwest

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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

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

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

Cocos Booby

Sula brewsteri

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

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

7/13/2026Pajaro River mouth (MTY Co.)2 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

7/13/2026Jetty Rd, Moss Landing US-CA 36.81032, -121.788841 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

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

7/11/2026Zmudowski SB2 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

7/11/2026Zmudowski SB1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

207/12/2026

Mallard

37/12/2026

Ruddy Duck

17/12/2026

American Coot

27/12/2026

Heermann's Gull

27/12/2026

Western Gull

107/12/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

27/12/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

57/12/2026

Black Phoebe

27/12/2026

Barn Swallow

27/12/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/11/2026

American Crow

47/11/2026

Violet-green Swallow

127/11/2026

Song Sparrow

27/11/2026

Cliff Swallow

27/8/2026

California Scrub-Jay

27/5/2026

House Finch

67/5/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

67/5/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

17/2/2026

California Gull

17/2/2026

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.