The Birding Hub
The Birding Hub
A dirt path through a forest with lots of trees

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

California · Southwest

ModerateOfficial Site View on eBird Directions
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

Cassin's Auklet

Ptychoramphus aleuticus

7/9/2026Sunset Beach1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

7/9/2026Zmudowski SB5 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

7/9/2026Jetty Road, Moss Landing, California, US (36.816, -121.79)1 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

7/9/2026Highway 11 observed

Harlequin Duck

Histrionicus histrionicus

7/9/2026Pebble Beach--Bird & Seal Rocks1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

7/9/202625845 Rio Vista Dr, Carmel US-CA 36.54805, -121.900131 observed

Costa's Hummingbird

Calypte costae

7/8/2026Carmel Valley--Holman Rd.1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

7/6/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Black Oystercatcher

47/9/2026

Red-necked Phalarope

87/8/2026

Cassin's Auklet

17/8/2026

Common Murre

1207/8/2026

Western Gull

307/8/2026

California Gull

37/8/2026

Sooty Shearwater

307/8/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

2507/8/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

57/8/2026

Brown Pelican

7/8/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/8/2026

American Crow

27/8/2026

Rhinoceros Auklet

27/8/2026

Pigeon Guillemot

77/8/2026

Heermann's Gull

137/8/2026

Caspian Tern

17/8/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

17/8/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/8/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

27/8/2026

Song Sparrow

17/8/2026

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.

California Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in California →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

How to Attract Hummingbirds

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

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.