Top Birding Spots in Morro Bay

Morro Rock and the Harbor

As one of the most iconic landmarks on the Central Coast, Morro Rock is more than a scenic backdrop—it’s also a renowned nesting site for peregrine falcons. Bring binoculars to scan the cliff faces for adults soaring or chicks in spring. The adjacent harbor is equally rewarding, where you’ll find pelicans, cormorants, and grebes mingling in the water alongside sea otters.

Morro Bay Estuary

The estuary is the heart of birding in Morro Bay, offering tidal mudflats, eelgrass beds, and salt marshes that attract shorebirds year-round. It’s particularly active in fall and winter, when migratory flocks of sandpipers, godwits, and willets arrive in large numbers. Boardwalks and observation decks at Morro Bay State Park and the Museum of Natural History provide easy access and excellent views.

Sweet Springs Nature Preserve

Located across the bay in Los Osos, Sweet Springs is a peaceful sanctuary filled with eucalyptus groves, wetlands, and trails. This spot is excellent for spotting songbirds like warblers, sparrows, and black phoebes, along with wading birds such as egrets and herons. Fall migrations bring colorful visitors, and winter provides good views of waterfowl in the back bay.

Morro Strand State Beach

Stretching north of Morro Rock, this wide sandy beach offers both coastal scenery and birding opportunities. Look for snowy plovers nesting in the dunes (please observe from a distance, as they’re protected), as well as gulls, terns, and shorebirds feeding along the tide line. In winter, you may spot loons and scoters offshore.

Montaña de Oro State Park

A short drive south of Morro Bay, Montaña de Oro offers trails and bluffs overlooking the ocean, with habitats that attract raptors, hawks, and migrating songbirds. Spooner’s Cove and the bluff trails are great places to spot pelagic species flying close to shore, especially in spring and fall.

Birding by Season: What to Expect

Winter (December – February)

Winter brings tens of thousands of migratory birds to Morro Bay. This is the best season for waterfowl, including pintails, wigeons, and scaup, as well as large flocks of shorebirds. Peregrine falcons are active around Morro Rock, and harbor waters host grebes and loons. Bundle up and enjoy uncrowded trails while the estuary teems with life.

Spring (March – May)

Spring sees the return of nesting species. Peregrine falcons nest on Morro Rock, while songbirds like warblers and swallows arrive to breed. This is also a good time for wildflower hikes that combine botany and birding. Look for herons and egrets beginning courtship displays in estuary rookeries.

Summer (June – August)

While migration quiets down in summer, resident species are still plentiful. Brown pelicans and cormorants dominate the harbor, and snowy plovers nest on nearby beaches. Summer is also a great time for casual birding with families—otters and seals add to the excitement, making wildlife watching diverse and engaging.

Fall (September – November)

Fall migration is one of the highlights of Morro Bay birding. Huge flocks of sandpipers, willets, and godwits arrive, filling the estuary mudflats. Raptors such as harriers and kestrels pass through, and warblers stop at preserves like Sweet Springs. This is also when the annual Morro Bay Bird Festival announces its January programming, making fall a great time to plan ahead.

Tips for Bird Watching in Morro Bay

• Bring binoculars and a spotting scope: Many birds feed far out in the estuary or soar above Morro Rock.
• Check tide charts: Low tide exposes mudflats where shorebirds gather in large numbers.
• Respect protected areas: Some beaches, such as snowy plover nesting zones, have seasonal restrictions. Always follow posted signs.
• Join a tour: The local Audubon Society and eco-tour companies offer guided bird walks, which can help you identify species and understand habitats.

Where to Stay

For a bird-watching getaway, staying central makes it easier to catch early morning activity. Ascot Suites offers a comfortable and pet-friendly base within walking distance of the Embarcadero and harbor. With cozy suites and a rooftop fire pit to relax after a day outdoors, it’s a welcoming retreat for birders visiting Morro Bay.