Point Lobos State Reserve

California · Southwest

Habitat
DesertChaparral
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Point Lobos State Reserve is a productive birding destination in California, with 248 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Anna's Hummingbird, Red-breasted Merganser, and Pigeon Guillemot 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

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/5/2026Laguna Grande Park1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler

Setophaga dominica

3/5/2026Monterey--El Estero Lake and/or Monterey cemeteries1 observed

Bell's Sparrow

Artemisiospiza belli

3/4/2026Fort Ord Dunes SP1 observed

Common Raven

Corvus corax

3/4/2026Fort Ord Dunes SP2 observed

Mountain Bluebird

Sialia currucoides

3/4/2026Naval Support Activity Monterey & Del Monte Lake (Restricted Access)1 observed

Yellow-throated Warbler (albilora)

Setophaga dominica

3/4/2026Monterey--El Estero Lake and/or Monterey cemeteries1 observed

Summer Tanager

Piranga rubra

3/4/2026Pacific Grove--Greenwood Park1 observed

Harris's Sparrow

Zonotrichia querula

3/4/2026Seaside--Shafer Street1 observed

Black-headed Grosbeak

Pheucticus melanocephalus

3/2/2026Pacific Grove--Grove Acre (private)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Surf Scoter

93/5/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

43/5/2026

Black Oystercatcher

63/5/2026

Black Turnstone

13/5/2026

Heermann's Gull

13/5/2026

Western Gull

503/5/2026

California Gull

63/5/2026

Eared Grebe

33/5/2026

Red-throated Loon

13/5/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

503/5/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

203/5/2026

Brown Pelican

403/5/2026

Turkey Vulture

23/5/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

13/5/2026

Hairy Woodpecker

13/5/2026

American Kestrel

13/5/2026

Black Phoebe

13/5/2026

California Scrub-Jay

13/5/2026

American Crow

63/5/2026

Bushtit

53/5/2026

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 Point Lobos State Reserve for birding?
The best months to visit Point Lobos State Reserve for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Point Lobos State Reserve?
Notable species at Point Lobos State Reserve include Anna's Hummingbird, Red-breasted Merganser, Pigeon Guillemot, Brandt's Cormorant, Pelagic Cormorant. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.
How difficult is birding at Point Lobos State Reserve?
Birding at Point Lobos State Reserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Point Lobos State Reserve?
Point Lobos State Reserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.