a dirt path in the middle of a desert

Moss Landing - Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free (parking fee may apply)

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Moss Landing - Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach is a productive birding destination in California, with 276 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Surf Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, 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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Gray Catbird

Dumetella carolinensis

5/29/2026Laurent Apt.1 observed

American Goldfinch

Spinus tristis

5/27/2026Ranchito Bolsa Nueva (private/offset)1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

5/27/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

5/27/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

5/27/2026Asilomar Conference Grounds [limited to grounds; use Asilomar SB hotspots for shore]1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

5/27/2026Pacific Grove--El Carmelo Cemetery1 observed

Northern Shoveler

Spatula clypeata

5/27/2026Terrace Pt. and Coastal Science Campus1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/27/2026Monterey--Presidio (lower)1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

5/27/2026Fort Ord Dunes SP1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/27/2026Lyle Ct. Aptos1 observed

Manx Shearwater

Puffinus puffinus

5/26/2026Pt. Pinos--seawatch only1 observed

Laysan Albatross

Phoebastria immutabilis

5/26/2026Pt. Pinos--seawatch only1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

25/28/2026

Surf Scoter

85/28/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

15/28/2026

Black-necked Stilt

25/28/2026

American Avocet

65/28/2026

Long-billed Curlew

15/28/2026

Marbled Godwit

55/28/2026

Willet

15/28/2026

California Gull

15/28/2026

Caspian Tern

185/28/2026

Eared Grebe

15/28/2026

Brown Pelican

405/28/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

15/28/2026

Brant

45/27/2026

Canada Goose

45/27/2026

Gadwall

65/27/2026

Redhead

15/27/2026

Long-tailed Duck

15/27/2026

Mourning Dove

15/27/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/27/2026

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.

  4. 4

    Arrive early in the morning for peak bird activity and to secure parking at popular viewing areas.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Moss Landing - Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Moss Landing - Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Moss Landing - Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach?
Notable species at Moss Landing - Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach include Surf Scoter, Red-breasted Merganser, Ruddy Duck, Rock Pigeon, American Coot, House Sparrow, California Towhee, Western Gull, Turkey Vulture, American Crow, European Starling, Brewer's Blackbird. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Moss Landing - Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach?
Birding at Moss Landing - Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Moss Landing - Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach?
The entrance fee at Moss Landing - Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach is Free (parking fee may apply). Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.
What amenities are available at Moss Landing - Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach?
Moss Landing - Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.