Santa Cruz Island / Limuw

California · Southwest

ChallengingView on eBird Directions

Habitat

Coastal

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Santa Cruz Island / Limuw is a productive birding destination in California, with 201 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts a wide variety of species among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Sanderling Brown Pelican Osprey Royal Tern Willet

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

5/27/2026Prisoner's and Scorpion's harbors transfer (inshore)1 observed

Solitary Sandpiper

Tringa solitaria

5/26/2026Santa Cruz Island--north shore1 observed

Bewick's Wren (bewickii)

Thryomanes bewickii

5/26/2026Santa Cruz Island--north shore2 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

5/25/2026Cavern Point Trail US-CA (34.0489,-119.5582)1 observed

Cooper's Hawk

Astur cooperii

5/24/2026Santa Cruz Island--UC Research Station1 observed

Acorn Woodpecker (Acorn)

Melanerpes formicivorus

5/23/2026Santa Cruz Island--UC Research Station10 observed

Say's Phoebe

Sayornis saya

5/20/2026Santa Cruz Island--Potato Harbor Trail1 observed

Snowy Egret

Egretta thula

5/20/2026Santa Barbara Channel--Santa Cruz Island vicinity (SBA Co.)1 observed

Black-chinned Sparrow

Spizella atrogularis

5/18/2026Santa Cruz Island--Potato Harbor Trail1 observed

Royal Tern

Thalasseus maximus

5/16/2026Santa Cruz Island--Pelican Bay Trail (restricted access)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Western Flycatcher

15/23/2026

Black Phoebe

15/23/2026

House Finch

15/23/2026

Birding Tips

1
Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.
2
Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

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

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Spring Birding in New York City

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Santa Cruz Island / Limuw for birding?▼

The best months to visit Santa Cruz Island / Limuw for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Santa Cruz Island / Limuw?▼

Notable species at Santa Cruz Island / Limuw include Sanderling, Brown Pelican, Osprey, Royal Tern, Willet. The area supports coastal habitats.

How difficult is birding at Santa Cruz Island / Limuw?▼

Birding at Santa Cruz Island / Limuw is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.

What amenities are available at Santa Cruz Island / Limuw?▼

Santa Cruz Island / Limuw offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.