New Brighton SB

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

New Brighton SB is a productive birding destination in California, with 206 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Surf Scoter, California Quail, and Eurasian Collared-Dove 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

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/6/2026Lone Hill Park2 observed

Barrow's Goldeneye

Bucephala islandica

3/6/2026Santa Cruz Municipal Wharf1 observed

Wilson's Warbler

Cardellina pusilla

3/6/2026My house1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/6/2026Moran Lake Park, Pleasure Point US-CA 36.95673, -121.977511 observed

Common Ringed Plover

Charadrius hiaticula

3/5/2026Moss Landing--Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach1 observed

Hooded Oriole

Icterus cucullatus

3/5/2026Soquel, Crestline Way1 observed

Swainson's Hawk

Buteo swainsoni

3/5/2026Cortez Park (SCZ Co.)1 observed

Black Skimmer

Rynchops niger

3/4/2026Elkhorn Slough--Estrada & North marsh and/or Kirby Park1 observed

Scaly-breasted Munia

Lonchura punctulata

3/4/2026My yard, Carr Ave., Aromas3 observed

Chestnut-backed Chickadee

Poecile rufescens

3/4/2026My yard, Carr Ave., Aromas1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/4/2026Lone Hill Park2 observed

Common Gallinule

Gallinula galeata

3/3/2026Zmudowski SB1 observed

Great-tailed Grackle

Quiscalus mexicanus

3/3/2026Zmudowski SB1 observed

Bald Eagle

Haliaeetus leucocephalus

3/3/2026Zmudowski SB1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

California Quail

23/6/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

13/6/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

13/6/2026

Brown Pelican

13/6/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/6/2026

Black Phoebe

13/6/2026

American Crow

13/6/2026

Bewick's Wren

13/6/2026

American Robin

13/6/2026

House Finch

63/6/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

33/6/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

83/6/2026

Golden-crowned Sparrow

23/6/2026

Song Sparrow

13/6/2026

California Towhee

33/6/2026

Spotted Towhee

13/6/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

33/6/2026

Surf Scoter

82/26/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

12/26/2026

Mourning Dove

32/26/2026

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 New Brighton SB for birding?
The best months to visit New Brighton SB for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at New Brighton SB?
Notable species at New Brighton SB include Surf Scoter, California Quail, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at New Brighton SB?
Birding at New Brighton SB is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at New Brighton SB?
New Brighton SB offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.