Carmel River SB (beach, lagoon, and/or Cross Hill)

California · Southwest

Habitat
WetlandCoastalRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Carmel River SB (beach, lagoon, and/or Cross Hill) is a productive birding destination in California, with 291 species recorded on eBird. This wetland and coastal habitat attracts Canada Goose, 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

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

3/6/2026Pebble Beach--Bird & Seal Rocks1 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/5/2026Laguna Grande Park1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

3/5/2026Monterey--El Estero Lake and/or Monterey cemeteries1 observed

Broad-billed Hummingbird

Cynanthus latirostris

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

Bell's Sparrow

Artemisiospiza belli

3/4/2026Fort Ord Dunes SP1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

3/4/2026Fort Ord Dunes SP2 observed

Mountain Bluebird

Sialia currucoides

3/4/2026Naval Support Activity Monterey & Del Monte Lake (Restricted Access)1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler (albilora)

Setophaga dominica

3/4/2026Monterey--El Estero Lake and/or Monterey cemeteries1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/4/2026Pacific Grove--Greenwood Park1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

13/5/2026

Mallard

83/5/2026

Surf Scoter

13/5/2026

Bufflehead

243/5/2026

California Quail

13/5/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

53/5/2026

American Coot

103/5/2026

Killdeer

13/5/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

13/5/2026

Pigeon Guillemot

23/5/2026

Western Gull

303/5/2026

California Gull

103/5/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

13/5/2026

Eared Grebe

23/5/2026

Common Loon

13/5/2026

Great Egret

13/5/2026

Brown Pelican

83/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

23/5/2026

Cooper's Hawk

13/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/5/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Carmel River SB (beach, lagoon, and/or Cross Hill) for birding?
The best months to visit Carmel River SB (beach, lagoon, and/or Cross Hill) for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Carmel River SB (beach, lagoon, and/or Cross Hill)?
Notable species at Carmel River SB (beach, lagoon, and/or Cross Hill) include Canada Goose, Surf Scoter, Bufflehead, American Coot, Western Gull. The area supports wetland, coastal, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Carmel River SB (beach, lagoon, and/or Cross Hill)?
Birding at Carmel River SB (beach, lagoon, and/or Cross Hill) is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Carmel River SB (beach, lagoon, and/or Cross Hill)?
Carmel River SB (beach, lagoon, and/or Cross Hill) offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.