Santa Cruz Island - Scorpion Canyon Campgrounds

California · Southwest

ChallengingView on eBird
Habitat
CoastalCanyon
Best Seasons
FallWinterSpring
Difficulty

Challenging

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Santa Cruz Island - Scorpion Canyon Campgrounds is a productive birding destination in California, with 237 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and canyon habitat attracts Rock Pigeon, Allen's Hummingbird, 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

Ring-billed Gull

Larus delawarensis

2/28/2026Santa Cruz Island--Prisoners Harbor5 observed

Short-billed Gull

Larus brachyrhynchus

2/23/2026Santa Barbara Channel--east channel (Santa Barbara County only)1 observed

Bufflehead

Bucephala albeola

2/21/2026Auto selected 34.04850, -119.5583610 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Rock Pigeon

13/4/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

13/4/2026

Western Gull

23/4/2026

Brown Pelican

33/4/2026

Northern Harrier

13/4/2026

Northern Flicker

23/4/2026

American Kestrel

13/4/2026

Black Phoebe

43/4/2026

Loggerhead Shrike

13/4/2026

Island Scrub-Jay

83/4/2026

Common Raven

53/4/2026

Ruby-crowned Kinglet

23/4/2026

Bewick's Wren

33/4/2026

House Finch

153/4/2026

Song Sparrow

33/4/2026

Rufous-crowned Sparrow

13/4/2026

Spotted Towhee

13/4/2026

Orange-crowned Warbler

13/4/2026

Yellow-rumped Warbler

203/4/2026

Eared Grebe

13/3/2026

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 Cruz Island - Scorpion Canyon Campgrounds for birding?
The best months to visit Santa Cruz Island - Scorpion Canyon Campgrounds for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Santa Cruz Island - Scorpion Canyon Campgrounds?
Notable species at Santa Cruz Island - Scorpion Canyon Campgrounds include Rock Pigeon, Allen's Hummingbird, Western Gull, Brown Pelican, Northern Harrier. The area supports coastal, canyon habitats.
How difficult is birding at Santa Cruz Island - Scorpion Canyon Campgrounds?
Birding at Santa Cruz Island - Scorpion Canyon Campgrounds is rated as Challenging. The terrain can be challenging and may require good physical fitness and preparation.
What amenities are available at Santa Cruz Island - Scorpion Canyon Campgrounds?
Santa Cruz Island - Scorpion Canyon Campgrounds offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.