How to Find Over 200 Bird Species on the Central Coast of California

The central coast of California is one of the most scenic areas of the United States. The natural beauty and wildlife are abundant and breathtaking. You can find more than 200 species of birds, both land and sea birds, on this scenic and spectacular stretch of California.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Binoculars Camera Bird guides

1. 
    
   Great Blue Heron

   The National Audubon Society lists Morro Bay and the central coast of California as a Globally Important Bird Area. Thousands of migratory birds spend part of the year here.
   Shorebirds such as marbled godwits, willets, curlews with their long curved bills and tiny sandpipers find a bountiful feast in the mudflats of the estuary at Morro Bay. Black brant geese migrate from spots on the Alaskan shore to feed on the rich eelgrass beds. Fluttering terns, brown pelicans, graceful egrets and herons are also part of the seasonal mix.

2. 
    
   The Audubon Overlook at Morro Bay, California

   One of the best ways to see the birds of Morro Bay is from the water. There are many outfitters who rent kayaks, canoes and electric boats.
   For those who don't want to take to the water, there are trails and viewing places surrounding the bay. An easy trail is located beginning at the rear of the Morro Bay State Park Marina parking lot winding out along the estuary.
   Morro Coast Audubon Society maintains two special birding locations. The Audubon Overlook is located in Los Osos on the south side of the estuary. From the small roofed deck, you can sit comfortably and view the variety of waterfowl foraging in the waters of the back bay.

3. 
    
   Sweet Springs Nature Reserve, Los Osos, California

   Another excellent area for bird watching is the Sweet Springs Preserve. It is a 24-acre natural site on the southern edge of the bay consisting of 1 acre of freshwater ponds and marshes, 14 acres of salt water ponds and 9 acres of upland scrub. Wintering Brant geese and scores of ducks take up winter residence along its shores. There are trails, bridges and benches along the way. Many locals use this area for their daily strolls.
   Another great viewing spot is at Morro Rock where peregrine falcons nest every year. Ospreys are often seen perching on top of boat masts in the harbor area.

4. 
    
   Black Oystercatcher

   Birders delight in visiting Montana de Oro State Park where they can spot both land and sea birds. Hiking, the most popular activity at the park, is the best way to find birds. One of the numerous trails is the Bluffs Trail, one of the easiest. Here you will enjoy the great view of the park's eroded marine terraces and its offshore sea stack, Grotto Rock. The flat trail winds along the top of Montana de Oro's shale and sediment bluffs that are constantly being formed and reformed by the pounding ocean. The Bluff trail head is located 200 yards south of the Visitor Center.
   Birds found here are double-crested and pelagic cormorants, black oystercatchers, wandering tattler, surf scoters, brown pelicans, eared and western grebes, surfbirds, pigeon guillemots, common murres, common and Pacific loons, shearwaters and alcids.

5. 
    
   Bird Rock at Montana de Oro State Park

   The Coon Creek Trail follows the creek and has coastal sage scrub alongside, with oak and pine woodlands on the steep side slopes, and the trail up to Valencia Peak. On these treks, you may spot red-tail hawks, California quail, white-tailed kite, Cooper's hawk, acorn woodpecker, black phoebe, Say's phoebe, western bluebird, California thrasher, blue-gray gnatcatcher, wrentits and warblers.
   More than 220 bird species have been recorded during Christmas bird counts on the central coast making this one of the country's best birding destinations.

Resources

• Morro Coast Audubon