Point Pinos - seawatch only
California · Southwest
Moderate
October-May
Free
Open daily, dawn to dusk
About This Location
Point Pinos - seawatch only is a productive birding destination in California, with 287 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Canada Goose, Surf Scoter, and Black Oystercatcher 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
Black-footed Albatross
Phoebastria nigripes
Black Storm-Petrel
Hydrobates melania
Common Gallinule
Gallinula galeata
Green-winged Teal
Anas crecca
Cassin's Auklet
Ptychoramphus aleuticus
Long-tailed Duck
Clangula hyemalis
Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
Harlequin Duck
Histrionicus histrionicus
Rose-breasted Grosbeak
Pheucticus ludovicianus
White-winged Scoter
Melanitta deglandi
Costa's Hummingbird
Calypte costae
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Rock Pigeon
Heermann's Gull
Western Gull
California Gull
Brandt's Cormorant
Double-crested Cormorant
Brown Pelican
American Crow
House Sparrow
House Finch
Black Oystercatcher
Common Murre
Anna's Hummingbird
Red-necked Phalarope
Cassin's Auklet
Sooty Shearwater
Pelagic Cormorant
Red-tailed Hawk
Rhinoceros Auklet
Pigeon Guillemot
Birding Tips
- 1
Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.
- 2
Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.
- 3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.
- 4
Check eBird hotspot data before visiting to see recent sightings and what species are being reported.
- 5
Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
- Point Pinos Lighthouse
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- Asilomar State Beach
More in California
California Birding Guide
Complete guide to birding in California →