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

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

7/20/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach4 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

7/20/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Poecile rufescens

7/20/2026Cole Rd.2 observed

Lincoln's Sparrow

Melospiza lincolnii

7/20/2026Schwan Lake1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/20/2026College Lake2 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

7/19/2026Pebble Beach--Bird & Seal Rocks1 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

7/19/2026Elkhorn Slough--general (east of Hwy 1 only)1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

7/19/2026Salinas WTP (no public access)1 observed

Red Phalarope

Phalaropus fulicarius

7/18/2026Monterey Bay pelagic--nearshore Moss Landing (<2 mi off MTY Co.)1 observed

Common Goldeneye

Bucephala clangula

7/18/2026Pajaro River mouth (MTY Co.)3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Red-breasted Merganser

17/21/2026

Black-necked Stilt

17/21/2026

Black-bellied Plover

67/21/2026

Killdeer

27/21/2026

Semipalmated Plover

87/21/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

67/21/2026

Long-billed Curlew

67/21/2026

Marbled Godwit

307/21/2026

Willet

307/21/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

67/21/2026

Least Sandpiper

607/21/2026

Pigeon Guillemot

47/21/2026

Heermann's Gull

17/21/2026

Western Gull

127/21/2026

Forster's Tern

17/21/2026

Elegant Tern

1507/21/2026

Common Loon

27/21/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

507/21/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

67/21/2026

Snowy Egret

67/21/2026

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.