Sunset SB

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
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

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/6/2026Seabright SB1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/6/2026Moran Lake Park, Pleasure Point US-CA 36.95673, -121.977511 observed

Common Ringed Plover

Charadrius hiaticula

3/5/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/5/2026Soquel, Crestline Way1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

3/5/2026Cortez Park (SCZ Co.)1 observed

Broad-billed Hummingbird

Cynanthus latirostris

3/4/2026stakeout Broad-billed Hummingbird, Salinas (2026)1 observed

Scaly-breasted Munia

Lonchura punctulata

3/4/2026My yard, Carr Ave., Aromas3 observed

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Poecile rufescens

3/4/2026My yard, Carr Ave., Aromas1 observed

Bell's Sparrow

Artemisiospiza belli

3/4/2026Fort Ord Dunes SP1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

3/4/2026Fort Ord Dunes SP2 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

3/4/2026Elkhorn Slough--Estrada & North marsh and/or Kirby Park1 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

3/3/2026Zmudowski SB1 observed

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

3/3/2026Zmudowski SB1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Shoveler

23/3/2026

Surf Scoter

1503/3/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

43/3/2026

Long-billed Curlew

23/3/2026

Marbled Godwit

683/3/2026

Willet

63/3/2026

Marbled Murrelet

23/3/2026

Ring-billed Gull

23/3/2026

Western Gull

33/3/2026

Forster's Tern

53/3/2026

Western Grebe

83/3/2026

Red-throated Loon

43/3/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

13/3/2026

Brown Pelican

23/3/2026

American Crow

53/3/2026

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.