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

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

7/19/2026Pebble Beach--Bird & Seal Rocks1 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

7/19/2026Salinas WTP (no public access)1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

7/18/2026Seaside State Beach (hotel & seawatch)1 observed

American Kestrel

Falco sparverius

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

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

7/15/2026my backyard1 observed

Northern Parula

Setophaga americana

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

American Avocet

Recurvirostra americana

7/12/2026Carmel River SB (beach, lagoon, and/or Cross Hill)1 observed

Black-footed Albatross

Phoebastria nigripes

7/11/2026Monterey Bay pelagic--inshore Monterey to Moss Landing (MTY Co.)1 observed

Black Storm-Petrel

Hydrobates melania

7/11/2026Auto selected 36.75842, -122.018381 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black Oystercatcher

37/20/2026

Pigeon Guillemot

127/20/2026

Western Gull

27/20/2026

Brown Pelican

257/20/2026

Black Phoebe

17/20/2026

California Scrub-Jay

27/20/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

57/20/2026

Rhinoceros Auklet

57/19/2026

American Crow

27/19/2026

Pygmy Nuthatch

17/19/2026

Heermann's Gull

17/19/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

7/19/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

17/19/2026

House Sparrow

17/19/2026

Song Sparrow

17/19/2026

Mourning Dove

17/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

47/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/18/2026

Turkey Vulture

17/18/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

17/18/2026

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.