Moss Landing - Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach

California · Southwest

Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
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

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/6/2026Seabright SB1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/6/2026Moran Lake Park, Pleasure Point US-CA 36.95673, -121.977511 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

3/6/2026Pebble Beach--Bird & Seal Rocks1 observed

Common Ringed Plover

Charadrius hiaticula

3/5/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/5/2026Laguna Grande Park1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

3/5/2026Monterey--El Estero Lake and/or Monterey cemeteries1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/5/2026Soquel, Crestline Way1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

3/5/2026Cortez Park (SCZ Co.)1 observed

Broad-billed Hummingbird

Cynanthus latirostris

3/4/2026stakeout Broad-billed Hummingbird, Salinas (2026)1 observed

Scaly-breasted Munia

Lonchura punctulata

3/4/2026My yard, Carr Ave., Aromas3 observed

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Poecile rufescens

3/4/2026My yard, Carr Ave., Aromas1 observed

Bell's Sparrow

Artemisiospiza belli

3/4/2026Fort Ord Dunes SP1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

3/4/2026Fort Ord Dunes SP2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

23/6/2026

Greater Scaup

183/6/2026

Surf Scoter

63/6/2026

Bufflehead

253/6/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

23/6/2026

Ruddy Duck

203/6/2026

Black-necked Stilt

23/6/2026

Black-bellied Plover

23/6/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

13/6/2026

Long-billed Curlew

33/6/2026

Marbled Godwit

33/6/2026

Long-billed Dowitcher

63/6/2026

Willet

33/6/2026

Least Sandpiper

303/6/2026

Ring-billed Gull

33/6/2026

Western Gull

13/6/2026

Forster's Tern

33/6/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

33/6/2026

Western Grebe

43/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

33/6/2026

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.