Desert birding habitat

Seacliff SB

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Seacliff SB is a productive birding destination in California, with 230 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mallard, Mourning Dove, and Willet among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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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

Lark Sparrow

Chondestes grammacus

5/28/2026Loma Prieta--Lower Saddle (SCZ Co.)1 observed

American Goldfinch

Spinus tristis

5/27/2026Ranchito Bolsa Nueva (private/offset)1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

5/27/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

5/27/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Northern Shoveler

Spatula clypeata

5/27/2026Terrace Pt. and Coastal Science Campus1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/27/2026Lyle Ct. Aptos1 observed

Indigo Bunting

Passerina cyanea

5/26/2026stakeout Indigo Bunting, Swanton Road (2026)1 observed

Black-chinned Sparrow

Spizella atrogularis

5/25/2026Loma Prieta area (SCL Co.)1 observed

Ovenbird

Seiurus aurocapilla

5/25/2026Uvas Canyon County Park1 observed

Red-necked Grebe

Podiceps grisegena

5/25/2026West Cliff Dr. at Woodrow Ave.1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Western Gull

205/22/2026

Western Grebe

2005/22/2026

Common Loon

15/22/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

1505/22/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

25/22/2026

Brown Pelican

305/22/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

15/22/2026

American Crow

25/22/2026

Common Raven

25/22/2026

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

105/22/2026

Surf Scoter

35/19/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.

  2. 2

    Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Seacliff SB for birding?
The best months to visit Seacliff SB for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Seacliff SB?
Notable species at Seacliff SB include Mallard, Mourning Dove, Willet, Western Gull, American Crow. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Seacliff SB?
Birding at Seacliff SB is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Seacliff SB?
Seacliff SB offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.