Santa Cruz Island - Prisoners Harbor

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 - Prisoners Harbor is a productive birding destination in California, with 250 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Mallard, Surf Scoter, and Common Murre among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Mallard Surf Scoter Common Murre Western Grebe Pelagic Cormorant

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

5/27/2026Upper Scorpion Campground, Santa Cruz Island1 observed

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

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

California Quail

26/1/2026

Black Oystercatcher

16/1/2026

Western Gull

306/1/2026

Brown Pelican

86/1/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

26/1/2026

Hutton's Vireo

26/1/2026

Island Scrub-Jay

106/1/2026

Barn Swallow

76/1/2026

Cliff Swallow

16/1/2026

Bewick's Wren

56/1/2026

Spotted Towhee

146/1/2026

Orange-crowned Warbler

26/1/2026

Common Yellowthroat

26/1/2026

California Gull

15/31/2026

Northern Flicker

15/27/2026

Western Flycatcher

25/27/2026

Common Raven

35/27/2026

House Finch

75/27/2026

Song Sparrow

35/27/2026

Black-headed Grosbeak

15/27/2026

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

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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 - Prisoners Harbor for birding?▼

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

What birds can I see at Santa Cruz Island - Prisoners Harbor?▼

Notable species at Santa Cruz Island - Prisoners Harbor include Mallard, Surf Scoter, Common Murre, Western Grebe, Pelagic Cormorant. The area supports coastal habitats.

How difficult is birding at Santa Cruz Island - Prisoners Harbor?▼

Birding at Santa Cruz Island - Prisoners Harbor 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 - Prisoners Harbor?▼

Santa Cruz Island - Prisoners Harbor offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.