Ano Nuevo State Park - Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails

California · Southwest

EasyView on eBird

Habitat

DesertChaparral

Best Seasons

FallWinterSpring

Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Ano Nuevo State Park - Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails is a productive birding destination in California, with 304 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Mallard, Surf Scoter, and Bufflehead among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Mallard Surf Scoter Bufflehead Ruddy Duck Anna's Hummingbird

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Ferruginous Hawk

Buteo regalis

3/5/2026Big Basin SP--China Grade (north of Highway 236)1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

3/5/2026Waddell Bluffs2 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

3/4/2026Loop trail1 observed

Song Sparrow (heermanni Group)

Melospiza melodia

3/3/2026Sanborn CP--John Nicholas Trail

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/3/2026Natural Bridges SB1 observed

Golden Eagle

Aquila chrysaetos

3/1/2026La Honda Creek OSP (lower)1 observed

Barred Owl

Strix varia

2/28/20268580–8734 Pescadero Creek Rd, Loma Mar US-CA 37.27415, -122.301711 observed

Common Poorwill

Phalaenoptilus nuttallii

2/28/2026Gazos Creek Rd.--east of Hwy 1 to Cloverdale Rd. Intersection1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

63/2/2026

Surf Scoter

113/2/2026

Bufflehead

13/2/2026

Ruddy Duck

43/2/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

33/2/2026

American Coot

13/2/2026

Western Gull

453/2/2026

American Herring Gull

53/2/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

23/2/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

33/2/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

63/2/2026

Brown Pelican

123/2/2026

Turkey Vulture

63/2/2026

Northern Harrier

23/2/2026

Bald Eagle

13/2/2026

Black Phoebe

23/2/2026

Hutton's Vireo

13/2/2026

California Scrub-Jay

53/2/2026

American Crow

103/2/2026

Common Raven

43/2/2026

Birding Tips

1
Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.
2
Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Amenities

Parking

Restrooms

Trails

Visitor Center

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Birding Guides

How to Attract Hummingbirds to Your Yard: Feeders, Nectar, and Native Plants

10 min read

The Ultimate Guide to Fall Bird Migration: Hawks, Sparrows, and Confusing Plumages

10 min read

How to Identify Birds Like an Expert: The Four Keys to Field Identification

11 min read

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Ano Nuevo State Park - Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails for birding?▼

The best months to visit Ano Nuevo State Park - Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Ano Nuevo State Park - Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails?▼

Notable species at Ano Nuevo State Park - Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails include Mallard, Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, Ruddy Duck, Anna's Hummingbird. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.

How difficult is birding at Ano Nuevo State Park - Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails?▼

Birding at Ano Nuevo State Park - Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.

What amenities are available at Ano Nuevo State Park - Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails?▼

Ano Nuevo State Park - Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.