Pigeon Point

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Pigeon Point is a productive birding destination in California, with 255 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Black Oystercatcher, Common Murre, 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

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

3/6/2026Waddell SB2 observed

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-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

3/4/2026Loop trail1 observed

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

Surf Scoter

13/6/2026

Black Oystercatcher

33/6/2026

Surfbird

183/6/2026

Western Gull

423/6/2026

American Herring Gull

143/6/2026

Western Grebe

43/6/2026

Red-throated Loon

33/6/2026

Common Loon

53/6/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

33/6/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

13/6/2026

Great Blue Heron

13/6/2026

Brown Pelican

123/6/2026

Northern Harrier

13/6/2026

American Kestrel

13/6/2026

European Starling

113/6/2026

House Finch

33/6/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

43/6/2026

Song Sparrow

23/6/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

303/6/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

173/6/2026

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