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
Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Gadwall
Mareca strepera
Golden Eagle
Aquila chrysaetos
Chipping Sparrow
Spizella passerina
Iceland Gull (Thayer's)
Larus glaucoides
Parasitic Jaeger
Stercorarius parasiticus
Orchard Oriole
Icterus spurius
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Black Oystercatcher
Hudsonian Whimbrel
Western Gull
Western Grebe
Great Blue Heron
Red-breasted Merganser
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Mourning Dove
Anna's Hummingbird
Black-bellied Plover
Killdeer
Semipalmated Plover
Short-billed Dowitcher
Wandering Tattler
Sanderling
Least Sandpiper
Pigeon Guillemot
California Gull
Glaucous-winged Gull
Pacific Loon
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 →