From Pacific loafing pelicans to luminous hummingbirds glittering along nectar trails, prepare for winged wonder as you discover over 400 bird species flocking the magical mosaic of habitats across Mendocino County. We’ve outlined prime spots to witness these feathered treasures, so grab your binoculars and let’s take flight!
Point Arena to Elk
Winter raptors like Ferruginous Hawks hunt fields. Check fencerows for Lincoln’s Sparrows or Say’s Phoebes.
Lighthouse Road
Scope the Garcia River mouth for abundant waterfowl and shorebirds. Watch for Sandhill Cranes in fields and Pacific Golden Plovers on lawns.
Stoneboro Road
Fields offer prime Ferruginous Hawk viewing. Red Crossbills also spotted in trees around Duxbury Loop.
Kinney Lane
Another hotspot for winter raptors and songbirds like Say's Phoebes and Western Bluebirds at the picnic area.
Elk
Fields near town host White-tailed Kites while Merlins prowl the streets. Coastal bluffs allow seabird scoping. Saw-whet Owls call along Philo-Greenwood canyon at night.
Navarro River State Beach
Migrating warblers flit through willows in spring/fall. Scan the river for ducks and phalaropes in winter.
Van Damme State Park
Enjoy seabirds like Black Oystercatchers on the beach, then songbirds in the forested campground where Gray Jays may appear.
Big River Estuary
Great Blue Herons and Ospreys nest as songbirds bustle in brush behind the beach. Shorebirds and waterfowl crowd the river itself.
Mendocino Headlands
Spectacular bluffs on three sides host Black Oystercatchers with migrating loons and sea ducks offshore during spring and fall.
Caspar Pond
Small pond by Fern Creek Road harboring interesting species year-round.
After delighting in avian discoveries across field and forest, cap off your days spotting Mendocino’s fabulous birds by indulging in soul-warming Italian cuisine at Fort Bragg’s Cucina Verona restaurant. With dishes artfully crafted from both imported and local ingredients, Cucina Verona’s menu interweaves the flavors of Italy with the bounty of Mendocino. Click here to make a reservation.