Desert birding habitat

Point Lobos State Reserve

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Point Lobos State Reserve is a productive birding destination in California, with 248 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Anna's Hummingbird, Red-breasted Merganser, and Pigeon Guillemot 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

Brown Pelican

Pelecanus occidentalis

6/2/2026Carmel Valley--Quail Lodge1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

6/2/2026Palo Corona RP--Rancho Cañada & South Bank Trail1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/2/2026Pt. Lobos State Reserve1 observed

Black Storm-Petrel

Hydrobates melania

6/2/2026Auto selected 36.48349, -121.9619345 observed

Horned Puffin

Fratercula corniculata

5/31/2026Pt. Pinos--seawatch only1 observed

Crested Caracara

Caracara plancus

5/31/2026Andrew Molera SP--old BSOL/Discovery Ctr vicinity (do not use for coast)1 observed

South Polar Skua

Stercorarius maccormicki

5/31/2026Monterey Bay pelagic (MTY Co., 2+ mi offshore)1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

5/31/2026Andrew Molera SP--Big Sur River mouth3 observed

Black Swift

Cypseloides niger

5/31/2026Rocky Pt.8 observed

Manx Shearwater

Puffinus puffinus

5/30/2026Pt. Pinos--seawatch only2 observed

Ashy Storm-Petrel

Hydrobates homochroa

5/30/2026Pt. Pinos--seawatch only1 observed

Hawaiian Petrel

Pterodroma sandwichensis

5/30/2026Pt. Pinos--seawatch only1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Band-tailed Pigeon

16/2/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

16/2/2026

Black Oystercatcher

16/2/2026

Pigeon Guillemot

16/2/2026

Western Gull

806/2/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

3006/2/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

46/2/2026

Black-crowned Night Heron

56/2/2026

Great Blue Heron

26/2/2026

Brown Pelican

1206/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

46/2/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

16/2/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

76/2/2026

Northern Flicker

16/2/2026

Western Flycatcher

26/2/2026

Hutton's Vireo

16/2/2026

California Scrub-Jay

36/2/2026

American Crow

166/2/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

16/2/2026

Tree Swallow

46/2/2026

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 Point Lobos State Reserve for birding?
The best months to visit Point Lobos State Reserve for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Point Lobos State Reserve?
Notable species at Point Lobos State Reserve include Anna's Hummingbird, Red-breasted Merganser, Pigeon Guillemot, Brandt's Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Point Lobos State Reserve?
Birding at Point Lobos State Reserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Point Lobos State Reserve?
Point Lobos State Reserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.