Morro Rock

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Morro Rock is a productive birding destination in California, with 236 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Common Merganser, Western Gull, and California 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

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

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/2/2026Corner of Shiloh Pl. and Bethel Road, Templeton1 observed

MacGillivray's Warbler

Geothlypis tolmiei

3/1/2026Bishop St1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Common Merganser

33/4/2026

Western Gull

153/4/2026

California Gull

13/4/2026

Common Loon

13/4/2026

Turkey Vulture

13/4/2026

Peregrine Falcon

23/4/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

33/4/2026

Surf Scoter

13/3/2026

Long-billed Curlew

23/3/2026

Royal Tern

13/3/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

13/3/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

13/3/2026

Brown Pelican

53/3/2026

Bushtit

13/3/2026

Bewick's Wren

13/3/2026

Snowy Egret

13/2/2026

Canada Goose

23/1/2026

Red-breasted Merganser

33/1/2026

Rock Pigeon

103/1/2026

Black Oystercatcher

13/1/2026

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 Morro Rock for birding?
The best months to visit Morro Rock for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Morro Rock?
Notable species at Morro Rock include Common Merganser, Western Gull, California Gull, Common Loon, Turkey Vulture. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Morro Rock?
Birding at Morro Rock is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Morro Rock?
Morro Rock offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.