Santa Catalina Island - Avalon area

California · Southwest

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
Coastal
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Santa Catalina Island - Avalon area is a productive birding destination in California, with 231 species recorded on eBird. This coastal habitat attracts Rock Pigeon, Eurasian Collared-Dove, and Allen's Hummingbird 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

Song Sparrow

Melospiza melodia

3/1/2026Ben Weston Canyon1 observed

Western Grebe

Aechmophorus occidentalis

3/1/2026Santa Catalina Channel (LA Co., offshore species only)32 observed

Common Murre

Uria aalge

3/1/2026Santa Catalina Island--North Escarpment23 observed

Bonaparte's Gull

Chroicocephalus philadelphia

3/1/2026Santa Catalina Island--North Escarpment3 observed

Rhinoceros Auklet

Cerorhinca monocerata

3/1/2026Santa Catalina Island--North Escarpment22 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

62/28/2026

Eurasian Collared-Dove

22/28/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

12/28/2026

American Coot

22/28/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

12/28/2026

Great Blue Heron

12/28/2026

Osprey

12/28/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

12/28/2026

Acorn Woodpecker

102/28/2026

American Crow

22/28/2026

Common Raven

82/28/2026

European Starling

42/28/2026

House Sparrow

82/28/2026

California Quail

12/26/2026

Spotted Dove

12/26/2026

Western Gull

12/26/2026

Pelagic Cormorant

12/26/2026

Northern Flicker

12/26/2026

Northern Mockingbird

12/26/2026

House Finch

12/26/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Santa Catalina Island - Avalon area for birding?
The best months to visit Santa Catalina Island - Avalon area for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Santa Catalina Island - Avalon area?
Notable species at Santa Catalina Island - Avalon area include Rock Pigeon, Eurasian Collared-Dove, Allen's Hummingbird, American Coot, Double-crested Cormorant. The area supports coastal habitats.
How difficult is birding at Santa Catalina Island - Avalon area?
Birding at Santa Catalina Island - Avalon area is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Santa Catalina Island - Avalon area?
Santa Catalina Island - Avalon area offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.