Desert birding habitat

Moss Landing Marine Lab

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Moss Landing Marine Lab is a productive birding destination in California, with 205 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, Ruddy Duck, and American Coot 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

Arctic Loon

Gavia arctica

6/2/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

6/2/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Poecile rufescens

6/2/2026Rocks Rd.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Saw-whet Owl

16/2/2026

Western Gull

146/2/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

26/2/2026

Brown Pelican

46/2/2026

Bewick's Wren

16/2/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

26/2/2026

Savannah Sparrow

26/2/2026

Mallard

26/2/2026

Surf Scoter

106/2/2026

Long-billed Curlew

26/2/2026

Marbled Godwit

356/2/2026

Pigeon Guillemot

16/2/2026

Heermann's Gull

36/2/2026

California Gull

26/2/2026

Forster's Tern

16/2/2026

Western Grebe

76/2/2026

Common Loon

26/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

16/2/2026

Cooper's Hawk

16/2/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

26/2/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Moss Landing Marine Lab for birding?
The best months to visit Moss Landing Marine Lab for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Moss Landing Marine Lab?
Notable species at Moss Landing Marine Lab include Northern Shoveler, Ruddy Duck, American Coot, Pied-billed Grebe, Brown Pelican. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Moss Landing Marine Lab?
Birding at Moss Landing Marine Lab is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Moss Landing Marine Lab?
Moss Landing Marine Lab offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.