Mendocino Headlands North

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Mendocino Headlands North is a productive birding destination in California, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Canada Goose, Black Oystercatcher, and Western Gull 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

Bullock's Oriole

Icterus bullockii

3/6/2026Rose Memorial Cemetery/Pudding Cr Overlook1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

3/6/2026Rose Memorial Cemetery/Pudding Cr Overlook1 observed

Ancient Murrelet

Synthliboramphus antiquus

3/1/2026Nearshore pelagic - (MEN Co.)1 observed

Scripps's Murrelet

Synthliboramphus scrippsi

3/1/2026Nearshore pelagic - (MEN Co.)1 observed

Short-tailed Shearwater

Ardenna tenuirostris

3/1/2026Leg 2: 39.45746, -123.867221 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

82/22/2026

Black Oystercatcher

12/22/2026

Western Gull

572/22/2026

Glaucous-winged Gull

12/22/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

32/22/2026

Turkey Vulture

12/22/2026

Common Raven

12/22/2026

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 Mendocino Headlands North for birding?
The best months to visit Mendocino Headlands North for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Mendocino Headlands North?
Notable species at Mendocino Headlands North include Canada Goose, Black Oystercatcher, Western Gull, Glaucous-winged Gull, Pelagic Cormorant. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Mendocino Headlands North?
Birding at Mendocino Headlands North is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Mendocino Headlands North?
Mendocino Headlands North offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.