The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub

Point Pinos - general (sea & shore Coral to Jewell, Crespi Pond & cypresses)

California · Southwest

ModerateOfficial Site View on eBird
Habitat
CoastalLake
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, dawn to dusk

About This Location

Point Pinos - general (sea & shore Coral to Jewell, Crespi Pond & cypresses) is a productive birding destination in California, with 355 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and lake habitat attracts Anna's Hummingbird, American Coot, and Black Turnstone among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Anna's HummingbirdAmerican CootBlack TurnstoneHeermann's GullWestern GullRock PigeonHouse SparrowCalifornia TowheeCanada GooseMallardSurf ScoterRuddy Duck

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Common Ringed Plover

Charadrius hiaticula

3/5/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/5/2026Laguna Grande Park1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

3/5/2026Monterey--El Estero Lake and/or Monterey cemeteries1 observed

Broad-billed Hummingbird

Cynanthus latirostris

3/4/2026stakeout Broad-billed Hummingbird, Salinas (2026)1 observed

Bell's Sparrow

Artemisiospiza belli

3/4/2026Fort Ord Dunes SP1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

3/4/2026Fort Ord Dunes SP2 observed

Mountain Bluebird

Sialia currucoides

3/4/2026Naval Support Activity Monterey & Del Monte Lake (Restricted Access)1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

3/4/2026Elkhorn Slough--Estrada & North marsh and/or Kirby Park1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler (albilora)

Setophaga dominica

3/4/2026Monterey--El Estero Lake and/or Monterey cemeteries1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/4/2026Pacific Grove--Greenwood Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Anna's Hummingbird

13/5/2026

American Coot

503/5/2026

Black Turnstone

33/5/2026

Heermann's Gull

73/5/2026

Western Gull

23/5/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

203/5/2026

Great Egret

13/5/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/5/2026

Brown Pelican

33/5/2026

American Crow

13/5/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

23/5/2026

Canada Goose

43/5/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

13/5/2026

Rock Pigeon

43/5/2026

Black Oystercatcher

13/5/2026

California Gull

33/5/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

13/5/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

153/5/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/5/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

13/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

  4. 4

    Arrive early in the morning for peak bird activity and to secure parking at popular viewing areas.

  5. 5

    Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Amenities

Parking
Trails

Nearby Attractions

  • Point Pinos Lighthouse
  • Pacific Grove Museum of Natural History
  • Asilomar State Beach

More in California

Salton Sea

Desert oasis lake critical for Pacific Flyway shorebirds despite environmental challenges.

Point Reyes National Seashore

Pacific Coast peninsula with 490+ species and a magnet for rare vagrants.

Mono Lake

Ancient saline lake with millions of migratory birds and surreal tufa towers.

Birding Guides

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard: Feeders, Nectar, and Native Plants

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration: When, Where, and Why Birds Migrate

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Point Pinos - general (sea & shore Coral to Jewell, Crespi Pond & cypresses) for birding?▼
The best months to visit Point Pinos - general (sea & shore Coral to Jewell, Crespi Pond & cypresses) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Point Pinos - general (sea & shore Coral to Jewell, Crespi Pond & cypresses)?▼
Notable species at Point Pinos - general (sea & shore Coral to Jewell, Crespi Pond & cypresses) include Anna's Hummingbird, American Coot, Black Turnstone, Heermann's Gull, Western Gull, Rock Pigeon, House Sparrow, California Towhee, Canada Goose, Mallard, Surf Scoter, Ruddy Duck. The area supports coastal, lake habitats.
How difficult is birding at Point Pinos - general (sea & shore Coral to Jewell, Crespi Pond & cypresses)?▼
Birding at Point Pinos - general (sea & shore Coral to Jewell, Crespi Pond & cypresses) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
Is there an entrance fee at Point Pinos - general (sea & shore Coral to Jewell, Crespi Pond & cypresses)?▼
There is no entrance fee at Point Pinos - general (sea & shore Coral to Jewell, Crespi Pond & cypresses). Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk.
What amenities are available at Point Pinos - general (sea & shore Coral to Jewell, Crespi Pond & cypresses)?▼
Point Pinos - general (sea & shore Coral to Jewell, Crespi Pond & cypresses) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.