Birding on the Mendocino Coast
Birding Along the Mendocino Coast
The Mendocino Coast bioregion holds a wide variety of birds and is a destination for many experienced birders. Every season brings new birds, in addition to those who reside here year-round. What follows is a brief guide to some of the best places, with tips on what to see.
Point Arena Harbor – Every winter from 1993 to 2012, a single Laysan Albatross wintered here, providing the only opportunity to see this species from dry land in the continental US. The bird usually arrived around the first of December and departed in March. It was not seen during the winter of 2013-14 and has not been seen since. The harbor is still good for Gulls in fall and early winter. Peregrine Falcon can be seen here year-round, and Ferruginous Hawk is often seen here in winter.
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L333704
https://maps.app.goo.gl/i9qKMX3k89KYiaKAA
The "South Coast" from Point Arena to Elk is especially interesting during the late fall and winter months, when large numbers of raptors (including Ferruginous Hawk) hunt the fields. There are numerous places to pull out along Highway 1 to see the raptors; also watch for Say's Phoebe.
Lighthouse Road – Drive out to the end and park just before the kiosk. Walk north across the field to look over the mouth of the Garcia River (best with a scope) to see waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors, including Bald Eagle and Peregrine Falcon. In winter, look for Sandhill Crane (rare) in the fields across the river and to the east. A few Pacific Golden-plovers sometimes winter on the lawns around the Lighthouse cabins. Rare vagrants can be found here in fall and winter, sometimes spring. Walk west to the point for excellent seawatching. In fall and spring, massive migrations of Loons, Scoters, and Aleutian Cackling Geese can be seen over the ocean. Rhinoceros Auklet and sometimes Cassin’s Auklet can be seen from here in winter. Harlequin Duck and Long-tailed duck have also been found.
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L824985
https://maps.app.goo.gl/VMeR2GYvb3sjcsUo6
Miner Hole Road – Formerly excellent for migrant fall songbirds, now difficult to bird effectively as it is overgrown and visibility is limited. Still worth checking and vagrants are still found here.
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L764898
https://maps.app.goo.gl/V7rTXXjTDmXPpvJ38
Windy Hollow Road South – Accessed from the town of Point Arena via Eureka Hill Road, drive to the end and park off the road in front of the green metal gate (do not park in the Casino parking lot). Walk around the gate and down the road to the Garcia River. Excellent for migrating songbirds in fall, including rare vagrants, as well as raptors in fall and winter.
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L5088150
https://maps.app.goo.gl/k877P7yZV14Pgt1v7
Stoneboro Road – The field on the south side can be an excellent location to see wintering Ferruginous Hawk. Red Crossbills are sometimes found around Duxbury Loop. Near the end of Stoneboro, take Bristol Drive and park at the circle; walk east to look over Hunter Lagoon for waterfowl, and watch for raptors, including Peregrine Falcon and Northern Harrier.
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L2416297
https://maps.app.goo.gl/eRLcPZPViKuWjpJa8
Elk and Vicinity – The fields near town are good for raptors and White-tailed Kite; also watch fencerows for Lincoln's Sparrows. Merlin is sometimes seen in or near town. From the bluffs at Greenwood State Beach, scope for seabirds and Peregrine Falcon. Cormorants and Murres nest on offshore rocks in summer; Loons, Grebes, and seagoing Ducks winter in the cove. Walk down to the beach, watching and listening for Wrentits and Hutton’s Vireo along the way. In spring and early summer, several species of Owls can be heard at night from turnouts along Philo-Greenwood Road.
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L4867200
https://maps.app.goo.gl/4VYjuBK7tG7VVtfVA
Navarro River Beach State Park – Bald Eagle is often seen here, and Canada Jay can sometimes be found along the road. In May, look for Black-Headed Grosbeak (and, very rarely, Rose-Breasted Grosbeak) and Bullock's Oriole near the old Captain Fletcher house. The alders and willows along the road often attract migrating songbirds, including vagrant warblers in fall. Common Goldeneye, Brant, and sometimes Red-necked Phalarope can be found on the river in fall/winter. The beach is not particularly good for shorebirds, but seabirds including Loons, Grebes, and Scoters can often be found close to shore. The river mouth and lagoon attract many Gulls in fall and early winter.
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L6522878
https://maps.app.goo.gl/oiRhEj2t925w4YAu5
Van Damme State Park – The beach has Black Oystercatcher and several species of gulls, which can be easily viewed from the parking lot. Walk across Hwy 1 to bird the forest; Pacific Wren is abundant in the fern-covered slopes of the canyon. Best bird here is the Canada Jay (aka "camp robber"), often found in the campground; this is an isolated population far south of the normal range.
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L280967
https://maps.app.goo.gl/sycASG5DrBz5BGXt9
Big River Beach, River, and Trail – Easily accessible and productive estuary. Great Blue Heron and Osprey nest in tall Douglas-firs on the south bank. Waterfowl and waders inhabit the river, especially in winter. Sparrows and other songbirds inhabit brushy areas behind the beach and along the road, year-round. The old haul road is now a good walking path extending up the river several miles, with several types of habitat providing excellent birding. Forest birds such as Golden-crowned Kinglet and Pygmy Nuthatch are abundant year-round, and the coastal scrub near the gate holds White-crowned Sparrow and Wrentit among others.
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1092969
https://maps.app.goo.gl/v13gV4DxTMXdCkt36
Mendocino Headlands – The town of Mendocino has spectacular bluffs on its south, west, and north sides where numerous seabirds and shorebirds (including Black Oystercatcher) can be viewed throughout the year. In spring and fall, watch for migrating flocks of seabirds flying low over the ocean. Brown Pelicans cruise by all summer. Large colonies of Brandt's Cormorants and Common Murres nest on the rocks at the northwest corner of the Headlands in early summer. Puffins have been seen here but rarely in recent years.
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L333701
https://maps.app.goo.gl/6jU3kRZVXNRkM2SK8
Point Cabrillo Lighthouse and grounds – a scenic and accessible spot to see common Mendocino Coast birds, including Black Oystercatcher, Brown Pelican, gulls, cormorants, and sparrows. Start at the parking lot just off Point Cabrillo drive, and walk down to the lighthouse.
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L736874
https://maps.app.goo.gl/PDqJvaerRte8aJJDA
Caspar Creek Mouth and Beach – The outlet of this small creek into Caspar beach can be a good place for migrating shorebirds in the fall. Loons and grebes also frequent the protected bay.
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1394856
https://maps.app.goo.gl/1bGNyoGhuwPNxN418
Caspar Pond – At the northeast corner of Hwy 1 and Fern Creek Road is a small pond with interesting birds found year-round, including a good variety of duck species, Wilson’s Snipe, and Red-Necked Phalarope.
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L825211
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pjesRHrw27LwD57dA
The Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens – More than 225 species have been recorded here. The various habitats include cultivated gardens, pine forests, lawns, coastal prairie, and ocean views. Year-round, expect to see 40-50 species per visit, more than 60 on the best days. A checklist is available at the front desk, and guided bird outings are held on the first Saturday and third Wednesday of every month.
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L368308
https://maps.app.goo.gl/WMW4fbqWPiCLCBDS8
Noyo River – The mouth, harbor, and upriver are very good for a variety of birds. Several Osprey nest around the harbor, and Purple Martins nest under the bridge. Loons and grebes winter in the harbor and the fishing boats often attract many Gulls of several species. Black-crowned Night Heron roost along the river but can be hard to find.
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L11909703
https://maps.app.goo.gl/mtjKRSi8rcKukW9M8
Noyo Headlands Trail – a paved five-mile trail extending from the end of West Cypress Street north to Elm Street, on the coastal bluff at the west side of the former lumber mill site. It can also be accessed at the midway point off Alder Street. There are toilets at each access point and at the Crow’s Nest between Cypress and Alder Streets. Open grassland and brushy-meadow habitat hold White-tailed Kite, Northern Harrier, and other raptors, as well as many songbirds and a very large population of Common Ravens. The weedy meadow near the south end holds a surprising colony of Marsh Wrens and the large bramble patches attract a large flock of House Finches. Rarities such as Dickcissel and Brewer’s Sparrow have been found here. At the south end there is good viewing over Noyo Bay for many seabirds; Rhinoceros Auklet is regularly seen in winter. Seawatching can be good from “Compass Point” about two miles north of the Cypress Street entrance. The section from Alder Street north to Elm Street affords good views of offshore rocks with Black Oystercatcher, Brandt’s and Pelagic Cormorants, and Western Gull year-round. Red-breasted Mergansers frequent the coves, and Harlequin Ducks have been found off the north end. Glass Beach is accessed from the Elm Street entrance; Surfbirds and Black Turnstones can be found here.
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L4052010
South access: https://maps.app.goo.gl/kWsX5LjjxMMe3ZCg7
North access: https://maps.app.goo.gl/zbJta3eequuPiN8F7
Rose Memorial Park – The cemetery has a good variety of songbirds and is one of the best places to see Pygmy Nuthatch. It is especially good in winter, when the Banksia trees attract Yellow-rumped, Townsend’s, and Nashville Warblers, as well as Bullock’s Orioles and large numbers of Anna’s Hummingbirds. Rarities are often found here in fall and winter.
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L843011
https://maps.app.goo.gl/RT4BLG4WuYGcpJaN9
Glass Beach – The former town dump, named for shards of sea-washed glass. Search any mounds of seaweed for shorebirds in fall migration early in the morning, before the tourists take over the beach. The coves to the north of the main beach are good spots to find Wandering Tattler and other shorebirds.
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L227755
https://maps.app.goo.gl/MJbrtjEqhd69N1ZX6
Bald Hill Road – At the north end of Pudding Creek Bridge (Hwy 1) take Pudding Creek Road east about 1 mile around a sweeping left curve, then turn left (north) onto Bald Hill Road; pass some houses until you reach a small woods and open pasture. Park where you do not block gates and walk the road. This is private land bisected by a public road which ends at a driveway. Bird from the road only. Watch for raptors in winter, especially Ferruginous Hawk. Palm Warbler have rarely been seen here.
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1242489
https://maps.app.goo.gl/D2zu16rk6booJ95e6
Virgin Creek Beach – Reached by entering the well-signed south entrance of MacKerricher State Park and walking less than a mile north along the former Haul Road. Also can be reached by parking in a large unpaved turnout on the west side of Hwy 1 about 1 mile farther north, look for the "Virgin Creek Trail" sign among the shrubbery, then walk about 1/4 mile west to the beach. This is often a good place to find shorebirds in winter or during migration season; 15+ species can be seen here, and it is a hotspot for rarities. From here it is possible to walk north all the way to Laguna Point.
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L289455
https://maps.app.goo.gl/SYeSB8cWkBg9hibi8
Lake Cleone and Laguna Point – Enter the well-signed main entrance of MacKerricher State Park, and park by the lake. Sora and Virginia Rail are resident in the reedbeds, along with Marsh Wrens. The lake often holds many waterfowl in winter, including Wood Ducks, and Ospreys catch fish in it all summer. Walk or drive to the end of the road and walk the boardwalk to an elevated platform. Search for seabirds and rocky shore birds (including Rock Sandpiper in winter) among the shoreline rocks; high tide is best. Seals haul-out on nearby rocks, and this is one of the best places to watch Gray Whales on their annual migrations. Seawatching with a scope can be productive here in fall.
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L390604
https://maps.app.goo.gl/KuC3UpCBouExCFhE7
Ward Avenue – Park at the end of the road for access to the south end of Ten Mile Beach. Excellent for shorebirds in late summer and fall, seabirds, gulls in winter, and terns during migration. Many Surf Scoters winter here and a few Black Scoters can usually be found among them, especially with a scope. It is possible to walk north along the beach about 3.5 miles all the way to the mouth of the Ten Mile River.
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L825449
https://maps.app.goo.gl/eWi8CMT7cvaaU1Tt6
Smith Ranch Trail and Ten Mile River Estuary – Along the upper trail, look for geese, ducks, and other wetland species across the river to the north with a scope. Sora, Virginia Rail, and Marsh Wren also reside here. Common Merganser, Bufflehead, and Double-Crested Cormorant frequent the river. At the bottom of the trail, large numbers of swallows nest under the bridge in summer, including Purple Martin. Walk upriver along the trail and look for thrushes, warblers, and herons. This can also be a good place to see Green Heron, which is rare on the Mendocino Coast.
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L12232312
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5FwiwjcGr3uNFYkPA
Ten Mile River Mouth and Beach – Park at a pull-out at the SW corner of the Ten Mile River bridge about 4.5 miles north of Ward Avenue. Access to the river mouth and beach is by an unimproved trail from the parking area. Follow the (abandoned) Haul Road west into the dunes, then continue west via trails to the beach. Search for shorebirds, especially in late summer, and Snowy Plover all year. Look through the flocks of gulls for Bonaparte's or Heerman's. Long-tailed Duck sometimes winters here. Look upriver for Goldeneye and watch for Bald Eagle.
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1423423
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ynfnM6JqiuocM8P1A
The North Mendocino Coast – This long, narrow section of Highway 1 starts north of the Ten Mile River and ends at the mouth of Hardy Creek, where it leaves the ocean behind as it winds inland. Along the way, birders will encounter a sea stack-laden, rocky shoreline, grassy fields, creek mouths lined with willow and alder, and an occasional sandy beach. Common Murres, Pigeon Guillemots, Brandt’s and Pelagic cormorants roost on large rocks in this stretch of coast. Please note that most of this part of Highway 1 is quite narrow with very little, if any, shoulder or bike path. Extreme caution should be taken when birding along this route. Park only where there is a pullout or vista point. In other words: bird at your own risk.
Newport Rangelands – There are many grassy pastures along the route, including the extensive cow pastures surrounding the Inn at Newport Ranch. Look for Ferruginous, Cooper’s, Sharp-shinned Hawks and Red-shouldered Hawks, White-tailed Kites, and other raptors during migration and winter. Rough-Legged Hawk has also been seen here. The occasional Peregrine Falcon or Merlin can be spotted flying over the immediate coastline.
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L17189396
https://maps.app.goo.gl/wrDfSHdV2RwBRhjB6
Chadbourne Gulch (aka Blues Beach) – If one is seeking vagrant warbler species during fall migration, this spot has hosted several of the area’s rarest finds. MacGillivray’s Warbler and Common Yellowthroat can be present in September. Check the alders along the highway and follow the thick willows along the creek down toward the ocean.
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L608391
https://maps.app.goo.gl/yN4ySYvwd412jZ8E8
Westport – A small community with a general store and gas station, post office, wastewater treatment facility, and the Westport Headlands Park. A rare White-winged Dove has been seen irregularly but repeatedly in the town area. A little further north along Highway 1, there is another public access area with parking that provides good views of large offshore rocks.
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L744555
https://maps.app.goo.gl/rztxvJGxabPympHi6
Wages Creek – After passing the Westport Cemetery, the highway curves down and over Wages Creek. The Westport Beach RV Park and Campground is private, but there is a large pullout where one can park just north of the creek. Fall migrating warblers such as Black-throated Gray, Wilson’s, Orange-crowned Warbler can be searched out. Flocks tend to cover a large area from the willows and alders by the creek to a Sitka Spruce and Douglas Fir covered hillside adjacent to the pullout.
https://maps.app.goo.gl/obPCVr8PDsPXWV2j7
Juan Creek – At the southwest side of the Juan Creek bridge is a large turnout. This is one of the most reliable locations to scope the waters for Marbled Murrelets, Pigeon Guillemots, Red-throated and other loons, and murres. Purple Martins have nested in small numbers under the bridge. If one drives or walks just a short distance down the old highway to the southwest of the bridge, there is good habitat for warblers, vireos and flycatchers. Do not venture past the locked gate, as the forested canyon to the east is private property.
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1509071
https://maps.app.goo.gl/vKEvMgMp6AEqPLDc8
Hardy Creek – Continuing north just before the Highway leaves the coast for good is a turnout high above the mouth of Hardy Creek, the last stop for this section. This cove harbors the same, offshore species as Juan Creek, as well as Ospreys. The large rock nearest the south end of the pullout has had nesting Black Oystercatchers visible with binoculars or spotting scopes.
https://ebird.org/hotspot/L1762904
https://maps.app.goo.gl/8HcBp1vwHLxkpbkv7
Usal Beach Campground – Located in Sinkyone Wilderness State Park, this area sits on the southern end of the Lost Coast. Many birders consider this area to be one of the most productive “vagrant traps” in Northern California. Considering how few birders visit this area because of how difficult it is to get here, it is truly impressive how many rare species—notably warblers, sparrows, vireos, and flycatchers—have been found here during fall migration. The narrow, winding, steep, inconsistently maintained road from Highway 1 to the campground is about a 6-mile drive that will take 30 minutes or more. During the rainy season, this road is impassable for most vehicles and is not recommended for trailers, large RVs, and low-clearance vehicles any time of year. This is also a spot that can be overrun by partiers, four-wheelers, and other noisy campers, so be prepared for some possible riffraff, especially on weekends. The alders in the campground itself, the dry creek bed, and along the road back to the bridge are where to look for migrating warblers in the fall, including Black-throated Gray, Yellow, MacGillivray’s, Chestnut-sided, and Hermit Warblers. Black-and-white, Tennessee, Nashville, Bay-breasted, Magnolia, and Palm Warbler have also been spotted here in recent years, along with Northern Waterthrush, American Redstart, Painted Bunting, and White-eyed Vireo. Resident and rare flycatchers have also been seen here, including Olive-Sided, Willow, Hammond’s, and Ash-throated. In the large meadow and marshy area, look for wetland and grassland birds: rare Black-throated, Clay-colored, and Brewer’s Sparrows have been seen in the area. The group camping area, just to the north of the bridge, has also been productive for a range of species. The beach and overlooks are good for shorebirds, cliff dwellers, and seabirds. While its expansiveness and rough terrain can make Usal an intimidating spot to bird, it is a place worth visiting due to the sheer number of unusual species that have been found in all habitats in this area.
