Bird species in Seal Beach, California

The Elephant Seal Overlook, located at Chimney Rock Road in Inverness, California, is a popular tourist attraction and landmark where visitors can observe the fascinating behavior of northern elephant seals. These seals returned to the Point Reyes Headlands in the early 1970s after being absent for over 150 years. The population has grown significantly since then, with the seals expanding to beaches beyond their initial secluded locations. The best time to view the elephant seals is from December through March, during the birthing and mating season, as well as in the spring when adult females and juveniles come ashore to molt. Visitors can witness male dominance contests, birthing of pups, and interactions between mothers and their young. The Elephant Seal Overlook offers a great vantage point to observe these incredible animals, as well as hear their distinct vocalizations.

MacKerricher Beach, located at 24100 MacKerricher Park Road in Fort Bragg, California, is a beautiful state park offering a variety of habitats including beach, bluff, headland, dune, forest, and wetland. Visitors can explore tide pools, spot seals along the coastline, and observe over 90 species of birds at Cleone Lake. The park is popular for activities such as hiking, jogging, horseback riding, and biking, with a wheelchair accessible nature trail available. Visitors can reserve campsites and lodging up to six months in advance, subject to availability and park rules. The park is three miles north of Fort Bragg on Highway 1, near Cleone, and offers stunning views of the ocean and nearby headlands, making it a great spot for whale watching during winter and spring.

MacKerricher Beach, located in Fort Bragg, California, is a popular park and tourist attraction offering a variety of habitats including beach, bluff, headland, dune, forest, and wetland. Visitors can explore tide pools, spot seals off the coastline, and observe over 90 species of birds near Cleone Lake. The park is also a great spot for whale watching during winter and spring. Hikers, joggers, equestrians, and bicyclists will enjoy the park's trails, including a wheelchair accessible nature trail. The park's unique history includes being part of the Mendocino Indian Reservation and the Union Lumber Company's timber and shipping operations. Accessibility improvements are ongoing, with facilities like a beach wheelchair available for use. Educational field trips are offered for school groups, and reservations can be made in advance. Visitors can also reserve campsites and lodging in advance. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the beautiful landscapes and wildlife at MacKerricher Beach.

Welcome to Point Reyes Beach North, a breathtaking natural feature located in the heart of California's stunning coastal landscape. Nestled within the Point Reyes National Seashore, this pristine beach offers visitors a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Known for its expansive sandy shores and dramatic ocean views, Point Reyes Beach North is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you're here to enjoy a peaceful walk along the shoreline, capture the perfect photograph of the sun setting over the Pacific, or simply bask in the tranquility of the surroundings, Point Reyes Beach North promises an unforgettable experience. The area is home to diverse wildlife, including harbor seals and a variety of bird species, making it a paradise for wildlife watchers.

Welcome to Tomales Bay Boat-In Campground, your gateway to an unforgettable camping experience amidst the breathtaking beauty of California's Point Reyes National Seashore. Nestled along the scenic shores of Tomales Bay, our unique boat-in campground offers a serene and adventurous escape for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers. Experience the Adventure: Tomales Bay Boat-In Campground invites you to embark on a one-of-a-kind camping journey. Accessible only by boat, kayak, or canoe, our campground provides an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural splendor of the bay. Spend your days exploring the tranquil waters, enjoying stunning vistas, and discovering the diverse wildlife that calls this area home.

Welcome to Andrew Molera Beach, a stunning natural feature located in the heart of California's breathtaking Big Sur region. Nestled within the Andrew Molera State Park, this pristine beach offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience the unspoiled beauty of California's rugged coastline. Whether you're seeking adventure or tranquility, Andrew Molera Beach provides the perfect backdrop for a memorable day by the ocean. With its expansive sandy shores and dramatic ocean views, the beach is ideal for a variety of activities, including hiking, bird watching, and beachcombing. The beach is accessible via a picturesque trail that winds through meadows and alongside the scenic Big Sur River, offering glimpses of the area's diverse flora and fauna. Nature enthusiasts will delight in the chance to spot local wildlife, including sea otters, seals, and a variety of bird species.

The Coastal Parking Lot at MacKerricher State Park in Fort Bragg, California, offers visitors the opportunity to reserve campsites and lodging in advance. The park features a variety of habitats including beach, bluff, headland, dune, forest, and wetland areas. Tide pools and seals can be spotted along the coastline, while birdwatchers can enjoy over 90 species of birds near Cleone Lake. The park is popular for hiking, jogging, horseback riding, and cycling, with wheelchair accessible trails available. The park's history dates back to the Mendocino Indian Reservation and the Union Lumber Company's timber and shipping operations. Accessibility improvements are ongoing, including the removal of invasive species and restoration of natural habitats. Guided and self-guided educational field trips are available for school groups at no cost. For more information, visitors can contact the Mendocino District Office or the MacKerricher State Park Interpreters office.

Tomales Point, located in Inverness, California, is a park and tourist attraction that offers a diverse range of natural landscapes to explore. From rocky headlands and sandy beaches to grasslands and forested ridges, visitors can discover over 1500 species of plants and animals. The area has been home to various cultures over thousands of years, preserving a rich tapestry of stories and interactions. Visitors can witness elephant seals on park beaches from December to March, as well as gray whales migrating past Point Reyes from December to May. The park offers endless hiking opportunities, with trails categorized by time, habitat, and location. Those interested in becoming Snowy Plover Docents can participate in educational programs to learn about the natural history and protection of these birds.

Año Nuevo State Park, located in California, United States, is a park known for its elephant seal viewing experience. From April to November, visitors can enjoy a self-guided tour to see up to 10,000 elephant seals returning to breed, give birth, and molt their skin on the scenic dunes and beaches. No tours or reservations are needed during this time, as visitors can walk out to the viewing areas on the Año Point Trail. Docents are available at each viewing area to provide information and answer questions. A free permit is required to visit the seals, which can be obtained at the park from 8:30-3:30 daily. The park also features the Marine Education Center, housed in a historic dairy ranch, and offers a variety of natural and cultural resources for visitors to explore. The terrain of Año Nuevo includes coastal terrace prairie, wetland marshes, dune fields, and coastal scrub, hosting a diverse range of plants and animals, including rare species like the San Francisco Garter Snake and California Red-legged Frog. Visitors can also enjoy birdwatching along the ocean bluffs, with Año Nuevo Point being a major bird migratory route. Additionally, the park offers Equal Access Tours for visitors requiring mobility assistance.

Welcome to Sea Lion Overlook, a serene park nestled in the heart of Inverness, California, at 16375 Sir Francis Drake Boulevard. Situated within the breathtaking landscapes of Point Reyes National Seashore, our park offers visitors an unparalleled opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich diversity of wildlife and natural beauty that this unique region has to offer. At Sea Lion Overlook, nature enthusiasts and casual visitors alike can experience the wonders of the wild. From December through March, witness the fascinating behavior of elephant seals at the nearby Elephant Seal Overlook, where these majestic marine mammals gather to breed and raise their young. Listen to the distinctive calls of the seals and observe their interactions in their natural habitat.

Welcome to Chimney Rock Trail Head, a breathtaking natural park located at the eastern spur of the Point Reyes Headlands in Inverness, California. Nestled within the stunning Point Reyes National Seashore, Chimney Rock is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Explore the captivating 1.75-mile (2.8-km) round-trip Chimney Rock Trail, which meanders along the ridge crest of a narrow peninsula. This trail offers unparalleled views of Drakes Bay and the dramatic coastline stretching to the southeast. Along your journey, you may encounter the region's diverse wildlife, including the majestic elephant seals and a variety of bird species. During spring, the area comes alive with vibrant wildflowers, creating a picturesque landscape.

Welcome to Piedras Blancas State Marine Conservation Area, a breathtaking natural sanctuary located in the picturesque coastal town of San Simeon, California. Nestled along the stunning central coast, this conservation area offers a serene escape into the wonders of marine life and coastal beauty. Spanning a diverse ecosystem, Piedras Blancas is dedicated to preserving the rich biodiversity of its marine environment, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Visitors can explore an array of scenic trails, offering panoramic views of the rugged coastline and the majestic Pacific Ocean. The area is renowned for its vibrant tide pools, teeming with fascinating marine creatures, and its pristine beaches that provide a tranquil setting for relaxation and exploration. Bird watchers will delight in the variety of seabirds that call this area home, while the occasional sighting of seals and sea lions adds to the allure of this coastal gem.

Welcome to Los Cerritos Wetlands, a captivating natural oasis nestled in the heart of Seal Beach, California. Located at 6720 Pacific Coast Highway, our park serves as a serene escape and a must-visit tourist attraction for nature enthusiasts and families alike. Spanning a vast area of preserved wetlands, Los Cerritos offers a unique opportunity to explore diverse ecosystems and witness the rich biodiversity of Southern California. Immerse yourself in the tranquil beauty of our walking trails, where you can observe a wide variety of wildlife, including native birds, plants, and other fascinating species. Whether you're an avid birdwatcher, a nature photographer, or simply looking to enjoy a peaceful day outdoors, Los Cerritos Wetlands provides the perfect setting.