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
Loading map...
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
Least Tern
Sternula antillarum
Vaux's Swift
Chaetura vauxi
Common Loon
Gavia immer
Black-headed Grosbeak
Pheucticus melanocephalus
Blue-winged Teal
Spatula discors
Song Sparrow (pusillula)
Melospiza melodia
Wood Duck
Aix sponsa
Greater Scaup
Aythya marila
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Mourning Dove
Willet
Heermann's Gull
Western Gull
California Gull
Great Egret
Brown Pelican
Red-tailed Hawk
American Crow
Common Raven
American Goldfinch
Brown-headed Cowbird
Brewer's Blackbird
Brandt's Cormorant
Mallard
Surf Scoter
Rock Pigeon
Eurasian Collared-Dove
Killdeer
Least Sandpiper
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 →