Moss Landing Marine Lab

California · Southwest

ModerateView on eBird

Habitat

DesertChaparral

Best Seasons

FallWinterSpring

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

Northern Shoveler Ruddy Duck American Coot Pied-billed Grebe Brown Pelican

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

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

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/5/2026San Lorenzo River mouth1 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

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

Broad-billed Hummingbird

Cynanthus latirostris

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

Bell's Sparrow

Artemisiospiza belli

3/4/2026Fort Ord Dunes SP1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

3/4/2026Fort Ord Dunes SP2 observed

Mountain Bluebird

Sialia currucoides

3/4/2026Naval Support Activity Monterey & Del Monte Lake (Restricted Access)1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

3/4/2026Elkhorn Slough--Estrada & North marsh and/or Kirby Park1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler (albilora)

Setophaga dominica

3/4/2026Monterey--El Estero Lake and/or Monterey cemeteries1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Shoveler

12/20/2026

Ruddy Duck

12/20/2026

American Coot

12/20/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

12/20/2026

Brown Pelican

12/20/2026

Birding Tips

1
Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.
2
Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

More in California

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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.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City: The Complete Urban Migration Guide

12 min read

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.