Pillar Point Harbor
California · Southwest
Moderate
October-May
Free
Open 24 hours
About This Location
Pillar Point Harbor is a productive birding destination in California, with 286 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Western Gull, California Gull, and Great Blue Heron 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
Wood Duck
Aix sponsa
White-throated Sparrow
Zonotrichia albicollis
Cassin's Vireo
Vireo cassinii
Hermit Thrush
Catharus guttatus
Blackburnian Warbler
Setophaga fusca
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Pheucticus ludovicianus
Red-throated Loon
Gavia stellata
Rhinoceros Auklet
Cerorhinca monocerata
Scaly-breasted Munia
Lonchura punctulata
Purple Martin
Progne subis
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Rock Pigeon
Black Oystercatcher
Western Gull
Brandt's Cormorant
Brown Pelican
Black Phoebe
American Crow
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
Violet-green Swallow
Bewick's Wren
California Thrasher
American Robin
House Finch
White-crowned Sparrow
Song Sparrow
Wilson's Warbler
Surf Scoter
Common Loon
Double-crested Cormorant
Great Blue Heron
Birding Tips
- 1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
- 2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
- 3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.
- 4
Arrive early in the morning for peak bird activity and to secure parking at popular viewing areas.
- 5
Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Mavericks Beach
- Princeton-by-the-Sea
- Fitzgerald Marine Reserve
More in California
California Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in California →