Point Pinos Seawatch

About the Event: 

Jutting out at the extreme southwestern edge of Monterey Bay, Pinos Pinos is one of the best spots to seawatch on the West Coast. “Seawatching” is a type of birding that’s rather self-explanatory: watching the sea from land with the goal of seeing seabirds! The key to successful seawatching is a mix of geography, seasonality, weather, patience, and persistence. With the deepwater Monterey Canyon and its cold, nutrient-rich waters upwelling just offshore from Point Pinos, which is situated at the outermost tip of the Monterey Peninsula, an immense diversity of seabirds and marine mammals can be seen here throughout the year. In the fall and winter, migrating seaducks, loons, and alcids can be expected in abundance. In the spring and summer, tubenose diversity can skyrocket, with recent sightings including Laysan Albatross and Hawaiian Petrels! 

Strong offshore winds can push these species usually only seen by boat closer to the Point, making seawatching an accessible way to go seabirding without the price of a pelagic trip ticket or risk of seasickness. However, it can still be bitterly cold and blustery on the best seawatching days, so it’s always best to check the weather before heading out and dress comfortably for long periods of stationary birding! We’ll bring spotting scopes and binoculars to share, and will plan to remain at Pinos Pinos for the duration of the field trip, where you’ll have the opportunity to learn more about Monterey Audubon’s fall migration count at Point Pinos and get practice identifying seabirds by their flight style, behavior, and shape as they navigate the waves offshore. This event is beginner-friendly and perfect for anyone new to seawatching!

Meet: Point Pinos Seawatch, located along the coastal trail at the Foghorn parking lot on Ocean View Blvd (coordinates: 36.637036, -121.935724). Look for spotting scopes!

Trip Difficulty: Easy. We will be seawatching from a stationary point where one bench is available for sitting. If you have difficulty standing for long periods of time, feel free to bring a chair. Parking lot has one ADA-accessible spot. The terrain is sandy gravel with some erosion and potholes. 

Trip Leaders: Amanda Preece, Madison Luken

Facilities: There is a public restroom a 2-minute walk away near Crespi Pond.

Questions & RSVP: For general inquiries, email info@montereyaudubon.org. To RSVP click the RSVP button below.