Desert birding habitat

Sunset SB

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Sunset SB is a productive birding destination in California, with 233 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Northern Shoveler, Surf Scoter, and Hudsonian Whimbrel 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

American Goldfinch

Spinus tristis

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

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

5/27/2026Pacific Grove--El Carmelo Cemetery1 observed

Northern Shoveler

Spatula clypeata

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

Common Raven

Corvus corax

5/27/2026Fort Ord Dunes SP1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

5/27/2026Lyle Ct. Aptos1 observed

Horned Grebe

Podiceps auritus

5/26/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

5/26/2026Zmudowski SB5 observed

Manx Shearwater

Puffinus puffinus

5/26/2026Pt. Pinos--seawatch only1 observed

Laysan Albatross

Phoebastria immutabilis

5/26/2026Pt. Pinos--seawatch only1 observed

Hawaiian Petrel

Pterodroma sandwichensis

5/26/2026Pt. Pinos--seawatch only1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

5/25/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Surf Scoter

15/15/2026

Snowy Plover

45/15/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

105/15/2026

Marbled Godwit

35/15/2026

Sanderling

165/15/2026

Heermann's Gull

45/15/2026

Western Gull

35/15/2026

Brown Pelican

125/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

25/15/2026

Black Phoebe

15/15/2026

Barn Swallow

35/15/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

15/15/2026

Song Sparrow

15/15/2026

Dunlin

155/15/2026

California Gull

55/15/2026

Tree Swallow

45/15/2026

Marsh Wren

15/15/2026

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 Sunset SB for birding?
The best months to visit Sunset SB for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Sunset SB?
Notable species at Sunset SB include Northern Shoveler, Surf Scoter, Hudsonian Whimbrel, Long-billed Curlew, Marbled Godwit. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Sunset SB?
Birding at Sunset SB is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Sunset SB?
Sunset SB offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.