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

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

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Surf Scoter

106/1/2026

White-throated Swift

36/1/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

206/1/2026

Brown Pelican

186/1/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

16/1/2026

Western Flycatcher

16/1/2026

Island Scrub-Jay

66/1/2026

Common Raven

56/1/2026

Barn Swallow

86/1/2026

Bewick's Wren

16/1/2026

House Finch

56/1/2026

Chipping Sparrow

16/1/2026

Spotted Towhee

16/1/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

15/29/2026

Northern Flicker

25/29/2026

Black Phoebe

25/29/2026

Ash-throated Flycatcher

25/29/2026

Loggerhead Shrike

15/29/2026

Horned Lark

25/29/2026

Northern Mockingbird

15/29/2026

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.