Pt. Lobos State Reserve  (P, $,R,

)

Perhaps better known for its rocky, scenic coastline and marine mammals, this peninsula also offers rewarding birding.  Several trails wind through Monterey pine forest and patchy coastal scrub. 

Location:  Take Highway 1 south of Carmel 2 miles to the reserve entrance on the right.  Park outside along the highway or enter and park in the reserve for a small fee.

Highlights:  western gull, nesting cormorants, pigeon guillemot, black oystercatcher, brown pelican pygmy nuthatch, dark-eyed junco, Townsend’s warbler, white-crowned sparrow.

Best season:  all year.