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

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

7/17/2026Pebble Beach--Bird & Seal Rocks1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

7/17/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

7/17/2026Seaside State Beach (hotel & seawatch)1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

7/17/2026Zmudowski SB1 observed

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

7/16/2026Naval Support Activity Monterey & Del Monte Lake (Restricted Access)1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/16/2026College Lake2 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

7/15/2026my backyard1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

7/15/2026Monterey--Presidio (lower)1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

7/15/2026Elkhorn Slough--general (east of Hwy 1 only)1 observed

Cocos Booby

Sula brewsteri

7/14/2026Pt. Pinos--seawatch only1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

67/17/2026

Mallard

37/17/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

17/17/2026

Killdeer

17/17/2026

Snowy Plover

107/17/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

1007/17/2026

Long-billed Curlew

257/17/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

17/17/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

17/17/2026

Least Sandpiper

67/17/2026

Common Murre

17/17/2026

Heermann's Gull

857/17/2026

Western Gull

2007/17/2026

California Gull

77/17/2026

Caspian Tern

57/17/2026

Elegant Tern

807/17/2026

Sooty Shearwater

20007/17/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

407/17/2026

Great Egret

17/17/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/17/2026

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.