Santa Cruz Island - Scorpion Canyon Campgrounds

California · Southwest

ChallengingView on eBird Directions

Habitat

CoastalCanyon

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Santa Cruz Island - Scorpion Canyon Campgrounds is a productive birding destination in California, with 237 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and canyon habitat attracts Rock Pigeon, Allen's Hummingbird, and Western Gull among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Rock Pigeon Allen's Hummingbird Western Gull Brown Pelican Northern Harrier

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

South Polar Skua

Stercorarius maccormicki

7/14/2026Santa Barbara Channel--east channel (VEN Co.)1 observed

American Oystercatcher

Haematopus palliatus

7/13/2026Anacapa Island--public access (VEN Co.)2 observed

Red-necked Phalarope

Phalaropus lobatus

7/13/2026Santa Barbara Channel--east channel (VEN Co.)3 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

7/12/2026Santa Cruz Island--Scorpion Anchorage and Beach Area12 observed

Black-vented Shearwater

Puffinus opisthomelas

7/12/2026Santa Barbara Channel--east channel (VEN Co.)2 observed

Burrowing Owl

Athene cunicularia

7/10/2026Santa Cruz Island--Upper Scorpion Canyon1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mourning Dove

87/17/2026

Northern Flicker

37/17/2026

American Kestrel

17/17/2026

Western Flycatcher

17/17/2026

Loggerhead Shrike

87/17/2026

Island Scrub-Jay

37/17/2026

Common Raven

27/17/2026

Barn Swallow

47/17/2026

Bewick's Wren

57/17/2026

House Finch

47/17/2026

Song Sparrow

27/17/2026

Spotted Towhee

57/17/2026

Bullock's Oriole

17/17/2026

Western Gull

47/14/2026

Peregrine Falcon

27/14/2026

Black Phoebe

27/14/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

27/13/2026

Pigeon Guillemot

37/13/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

107/13/2026

Brown Pelican

17/13/2026

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

How to Attract Hummingbirds

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Santa Cruz Island - Scorpion Canyon Campgrounds for birding?▼

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

What birds can I see at Santa Cruz Island - Scorpion Canyon Campgrounds?▼

Notable species at Santa Cruz Island - Scorpion Canyon Campgrounds include Rock Pigeon, Allen's Hummingbird, Western Gull, Brown Pelican, Northern Harrier. The area supports coastal, canyon habitats.

How difficult is birding at Santa Cruz Island - Scorpion Canyon Campgrounds?▼

Birding at Santa Cruz Island - Scorpion Canyon Campgrounds 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 - Scorpion Canyon Campgrounds?▼

Santa Cruz Island - Scorpion Canyon Campgrounds offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.