Pt. Pinos and Crespi Pond  (P, R,

)

At this northernmost projection of Monterey Peninsula’s rocky coast, famous for its marine mammals and pounding surf, a small freshwater pond and nearby planted cypress attract avian rareties.  A recreation trail extends along the coastline offering close-up views of rocky shorebirds.

Location:  Drive north from Monterey through Pacific Grove on Ocean View Ave. to the tip of the peninsula.  Parking is available next to Crespi Pond and on Ocean View Ave. along the inner bay and Pacific coast.

Highlights:  Virgina rail, sora, ducks, geese, gulls, vagrants at Crespi Pond, including warblers in the nearby cypress grove; rocky coast has black oystercatcher, turnstones, wandering tattler, offshore pelagics after storms.

Best season:  fall-winter.