Gazos Creek Beach - west of Hwy 1 only

California · Southwest

Habitat
CoastalRiver/Riparian
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Gazos Creek Beach - west of Hwy 1 only is a productive birding destination in California, with 217 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and river/riparian habitat attracts Mallard, Surf Scoter, and Anna's Hummingbird 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

Green-tailed Towhee

Pipilo chlorurus

3/6/2026Cowell Ranch Beach and Coastal Trail1 observed

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

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

23/1/2026

Surf Scoter

403/1/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

13/1/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

323/1/2026

Long-billed Curlew

33/1/2026

Marbled Godwit

133/1/2026

Heermann's Gull

13/1/2026

Short-billed Gull

23/1/2026

Western Gull

213/1/2026

American Herring Gull

123/1/2026

California Gull

5003/1/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

93/1/2026

Western x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid)

53/1/2026

American Herring x Glaucous-winged Gull (hybrid)

73/1/2026

Red-throated Loon

153/1/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

53/1/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

63/1/2026

Northern Harrier

13/1/2026

Belted Kingfisher

13/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Gazos Creek Beach - west of Hwy 1 only for birding?
The best months to visit Gazos Creek Beach - west of Hwy 1 only for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Gazos Creek Beach - west of Hwy 1 only?
Notable species at Gazos Creek Beach - west of Hwy 1 only include Mallard, Surf Scoter, Anna's Hummingbird, Hudsonian Whimbrel, Long-billed Curlew. The area supports coastal, river/riparian habitats.
How difficult is birding at Gazos Creek Beach - west of Hwy 1 only?
Birding at Gazos Creek Beach - west of Hwy 1 only is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Gazos Creek Beach - west of Hwy 1 only?
Gazos Creek Beach - west of Hwy 1 only offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.