Montana de Oro State Park

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Montana de Oro State Park is a productive birding destination in California, with 260 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Black Oystercatcher, Western Gull, and Brandt's Cormorant among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

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

Harris's Sparrow

Zonotrichia querula

3/5/2026Morro Bay yard1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/5/20261900 Pecho Rd.1 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

3/5/2026Blue Heron Drive (Restricted access)1 observed

Rufous Hummingbird

Selasphorus rufus

3/4/2026Meadow Park--San Luis Obispo1 observed

Costa's Hummingbird

Calypte costae

3/4/2026Poly Canyon1 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/4/2026Santa Margarita Creek1 observed

King Eider

Somateria spectabilis

3/3/2026Morro Bay Estuary (use more specific location(s) when possible)1 observed

Fox Sparrow (Sooty x Red)

Passerella iliaca

3/3/2026Damon-Garcia Sports Field1 observed

MacGillivray's Warbler

Geothlypis tolmiei

3/1/2026Bishop St1 observed

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 Montana de Oro State Park for birding?
The best months to visit Montana de Oro State Park for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Montana de Oro State Park?
Notable species at Montana de Oro State Park include Black Oystercatcher, Western Gull, Brandt's Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant, Brown Pelican. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Montana de Oro State Park?
Birding at Montana de Oro State Park is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Montana de Oro State Park?
Montana de Oro State Park offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.