Looking North From Vista Point #2 (See A-11) Photo by Alan Schmierer
Looking North From Vista Point #2 (See A-11) Photo by Alan Schmierer
A - NORTH COAST-South to north from junction of Highway1 and Old Creek Rd to Ragged Point Inn
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A-1 WHALE ROCK RESERVOIR:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) From the junction of Rte 1 and Old Creek Road, the south most
traffic light in Cayucos, turn east on Old Creek Road. Go 2.9 miles and take a left (west) on Cottontail Road. Drive about 0.8
miles and park where you get a good view down on the Cottontail Creek Arm of the reservoir. (This is all easy birding from
next to, or from in the car.)
BIRDING: A scope is needed for a satisfying look. Both WESTERN and CLARK’S GREBES nest here most years. Migration and winter
birding is the most fun, with most of the GEESE, DUCKS and RAPTORS in the county showing up at one visit or another. One of
the only regular spots for WOOD DUCKS near the coast. There has been a resident pair of MUTE SWANS (introduced) during 2007.
This arm of the reservoir is the best place (in winter) to see RING-NECKED DUCKS and REDHEADS (rare). It is a long distance
for shorebird viewing, even with a scope, but WILSON’S SNIPES, PECTORAL and SOLITARY SANDPIPERS have been seen there recently.
Drive back toward Old Creek Road, stopping at the overlooks on the more eastern Old Creek Arm of the reservoir. The first-
described spot tends to be better birding and better lighting, but check this arm also. The county’s first REDDISH EGRET was
seen here. RUFOUS-CROWNED SPARROWS can often be found up on the steep rocky hillside on the up-slope side of the road.
A-2 OLD CREEK MOUTH AND BEACH:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) Go north on Rte 1 for 0.4 miles from the 1st Cayucos traffic light
starting point and turn left (west) toward Studio Drive and then immediately right (north) down into the parking lot.
BIRDING: There is usually a pool here at the terminus of Old Creek. It is one of the best places in the county for good looks
at both ROYAL (all but May-July) and ELEGANT TERNS (July-Nov). Also an excellent spot for winter GULLS and SHOREBIRDS.
SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS, BLACK-BELLIED PLOVERS, WHIMBRELS, and other shorebirds frequent the sand beach area. (Easy birding
from the parking lot. Deep sand approach to the beach.)
A-3 CAYUCOS BEACH AND PIER:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) Go north on Rte 1 for 2.0 miles from the 1st Cayucos traffic light
starting point and exit Rte 1 at the Cayucos Drive exit. Turn left (west) on Cayucos Drive. At Ocean Ave, (the main street
through town) take a right (north) and then an immediate left (west) into a parking lot.
BIRDING: Check the pool at the river mouth for GULLS and SHOREBIRDS. Excellent location to see RUDDY and BLACK TURNSTONES and
SURFBIRDS (winter). Walk a few hundred feet south to the pier. The pier sometimes allows close looks at SCOTERS, TERNS and
sometimes SOOTY SHEARWATERS.
A-4 ESTERO BLUFFS STATE PARK:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) (Detail Map) Estero Bluffs State
Park is the mostly unpublicized coastline starting at the Cayucos north town limit and extending for 3 miles up the coast (to
where the ocean can no longer be seen from Rte 1). It can be accessed from about 6 major pull-offs / parking areas along Rte 1,
each with trails going to the water. (Dirt parking areas -- they can be very muddy / slippery during wet weather.)
There is an informal but well-established bluff trail along the entire edge (generally flat).
BIRDING: To bird the entire length of the trail and back would be about 7 miles. Most birders prefer to do a shorter distance,
concentrating on the most varied and productive habitats:
1) “The Windmill” / San Geronimo Road parking area: The second parking lot, 0.5 miles north of where northbound Rte 1 becomes
single-lane. Bird the weedy area inside the fence and over to the small riparian area for SPARROWS and WARBLERS, then work down
to the water. At the water check the sandy beach, then cross the beach and up onto the bench. (This crossing requires a
short steep descent and ascent. High tides or stream flow may block this route.) The trail follows the edge to a rocky
point, sometimes called “Cypress Point” for the single cypress at the bluff edge just past the point. This tree is often used
as a landmark for describing the location of a bird. The rocks off the point are excellent for all three CORMORANTS, ROYAL and
ELEGANT TERNS, BLACK OYSTERCATCHERS, SURFBIRDS, TATTLERS, etc. BLACK TURNSTONES are common on the rocks and in the kelp along
the beach. This is probably the best location in the county to look for RUDDY TURNSTONES (winter, uncommon). Look for SCOTERS,
any of the wintering GREBES, HARLEQUIN DUCKS (1 or 2 often winter here or in similar habitat up the coast). Look for ALCIDS in
fall and winter, especially MARBLED MURRELETS (uncommon). SAVANNAH SPARROWS breed in the grassy fields. In 2007 (and possibly
regularly) CASSIN’S KINGBIRDS nested in the eucalyptus near the windmill.
2) “The fig Tree” parking area: The third parking area, 1.0 mile north of where northbound Rte 1 becomes single-lane; 0.5 miles
past “The Windmill” area is named for the single and remarkably large fig tree at the trailhead. (There is a short but steep
banking at the start of this trail, then, it is generally flat.) This access trail joins the bluff trail near the cypress
referenced in #1. Birds as above.
3) “The Villa Creek” parking area: The fifth parking area, 1.75 mile north of where northbound Rte 1 becomes single-lane; 0.75
miles past “The Fig Tree” area. (There is a short but steep banking at the start of this trail, then it is generally flat
except for one short down / up banking to cross a gully.) The birding is in general not as good along this section. The
goal is to walk north along the coast until the trail enters a short sand beach. This is a SNOWY PLOVER nesting area. When
fencing is not up, the driftwood / weedy area has good potential for migrant and wintering SPARROWS and perhaps a rarity.
Approach the creek mouth slowly and look for SHOREBIRDS; some of the more uncommon species have been seen there. (Round
trip from the parking area to Villa Creek and back is about 2.4 miles.)
4) Seasonally, when the area beaches are not closed because of Snowy Plover nesting, there is a parking area 0.4 miles further
north of #3 that accesses the same area referenced in #3. Unfortunately this opening is too late to check the area for migrants.
A-5 SANTA ROSA CREEK MOUTH:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) Drive north from Cayucos about 13-14 miles to Cambria. At the
third traffic light along Rte 1 in Cambria, turn left (west) on Windsor Blvd.
BIRDING: There are two areas of interest here, the creek bed and the creek mouth.
For the creek bed: cross the bridge and park on the left (at a small waste treatment facility). Walk the trail that follows the
creek edge upstream (south) until it starts up a hill. Check the willows for migrant / wintering WARBLERS. The creek bed is
generally dry or has small areas of standing water in the fall. One can often walk down steam in the streambed almost to the
ocean. The willows along the edge have produced many “good” warblers, but access is difficult. The dense willows and cottonwoods
on the north side of the road from the parking area is also good, but hard to access.
For the Creek Mouth: As you turn off of Rte 1 at the traffic light, turn left (west) and then immediately turn right (north)
onto Moonstone Beach Drive. In 0.4 miles, turn left (west) down a short road to a parking lot. Check the creek mouth pool
for DUCKS and GULLS. Check the rocks off shore and the beach.
A-6 SAN SIMEON STATE PARK TRAIL:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) About 2 miles north of the last traffic light in Cambria (see #A-5)
on Rte 1, take a right (east) just before the bridge into the Washburn Day Use Area (marked A6 on the map).
BIRDING: A trail starts on the boardwalk. Go left, and check the creek area under and just up stream from the bridge. Then
walk the other way on the boardwalk to another bridge and check the riparian area. (Flat. Easy access for all.)
There are several options from there. There are several trails, as shown on the map. The trail loop marked in pink on the
map is about 3.5 miles long. It takes one through grassland, oak, pine, riparian and coastal scrub habitats. (The trail
goes up and down several slopes and has several rather high steps.) It is good birding in any season. The areas of pines
(marked in yellow on the map) are perhaps the most interesting. PYGMY NUTHATCHES are common there, along with RED-BREASTED
NUTHATCHES, BROWN CREEPERS and a variety of WOODPECKERS. WILSON’S WARBLERS, SWAINSON’S THRUSHES and PACIFIC SLOPE FLYCATCHERS
breed in the willow area.
A-7 SAN SIMEON STATE PARK CREEK MOUTH:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) Same as #A-6, but drive over the Rte 1 San Simeon Creek bridge and
park on the north side on the ocean side.
BIRDING: The pond at the creek mouth can have an excellent variety of SHOREBIRDS, DUCKS, GEESE and GULLS during migration and
in winter. The beach proper is good for the large and the small PLOVERS.
A-8 CAMBRIA WASTEWATER EVAPORATION PONDS:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) Drive north from #A-7 for 0.2 miles and take a right (east). Drive
0.3 miles, just past the campground entrance, and take a right on a small road and park. There is a pond located just east of
where you are parked.
BIRDING: The pond is hard to see through the pines and brush, but is worth checking. It is a good place to check for vagrants.
A-9 PICO CREEK:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) From #A-8 continue north on Rte 1 for another 1.5 miles, just before
crossing a major bridge, and turn left (west) on Pico Ave. Park at the end.
BIRDING: Walking 100 feet north takes one down a slope to a small beach, a weedy area and pools at the mouth of the creek. Drive
back to Rte 1 and across it to east Pico Ave. Park on the left and walk up the street. The pines can be good for migrating
warblers. Stay on the street. This is private property.
A-11 VISTA POINTS:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) Along Route 1 about 0.7 miles north of the Pico Creek Bridge there
is a “Vista Point” parking area (mile post 55.5) on the left (west) side of the road. There are also two more Vista Points in
the next mile or so north along Route 1.
BIRDING: All 3 vistas are excellent spots to scan the rocks for ROCK-LOVING SHOREBIRDS and for SEABIRDS.
A-12 SAN SIMEON PIER AND CREEK:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) A few miles north of Pico Creek, at the main Hearst Castle exit
off Rte 1, turn left (west) and then immediately left again into the William R Hearst Memorial State Beach and park. (Rest
rooms.)
BIRDING: The bay can be scoped from the end of the pier for GREBES and SCOTERS. This bay is one of the better places to look
for MARBLED MURRELETS (rare) in any season. PIGEON GUILLEMOTS nest under the pier. This is an excellent place to see them up
close and to photograph them. (Accessible to all.)
Driving out of the parking lot, turn left (north) on SLO San Simeon Road and stop at the bridge. Check the little pools there
for MIGRANTS. Check the red-flowering eucalyptus trees along the road just north of the bridge for HUMMINGBIRDS, ORIOLES and
other nectar-loving birds (easy access to all). Continue north on this road to re-join Rte 1.
A-13 ARROYO LAGUNA:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) About 2 miles north of the Hearst Castle exit Rte 1 crosses Arroyo
Laguna Creek (mile post 59.9). Pull well off the road just north of the bridge and park (easier parking southbound, access
to all).
BIRDING: Check the creek from the bridge. West of the bridge is a long narrow pond that should be checked for vagrant DUCKS and
SHOREBIRDS.
A-14 “CYPRESS TREE” VISTA POINT:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) Drive north from #A-13 another 1.3 miles (mile post 61.2) and park
in the Vista Point parking area on the left (west) side of Rte 1. It is called “Cypress Tree” Vista by locals for the obvious
small group of Monterey cypress at the south end of the lot.
BIRDING: A good vantage point to scope the rocks for ROCK-LOVING SHOREBIRDS and to look for HARLEQUIN DUCKS (rare, winter) and
other SEA DUCKS. (Access to all.)
A-15 ELEPHANT SEAL ROOKERY:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) Drive north on Rte 1 for another mile north of #A-14 and park in
the large parking lot of this major tourist attraction. In winter (peaking in January) hundreds of elephant seals use this beach
as a birthing and breeding spot. (Access to all.)
BIRDING: In winter gulls are attracted by the “afterbirth” from the seals and go into a “feeding frenzy” at each birth. One of
the better places in the county to look for GLAUCOUS-WINGED, MEW (both fairly common in winter), HERRING (uncommon) and GLAUCOUS
GULLS (rare) in winter.
A-16 PIEDRAS BLANCAS ROCK:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) From #A-15 drive north on Rte 1 for another 0.3 miles and park in
the lot on the west side of the road.
BIRDING: Go through the gate at the north end of the lot and walk the trail north along the coast. In about 0.2 miles you are
opposite the large “whitewashed” rock that is Piedras Blancas. There was a BROWN BOOBY on the rock for a few weeks one winter.
“SEAWATCH BIRDING” can be great from here and other points north along the trail. (If Piedras Blancas Lighthouse is ever opened
to the public, this will serve the same purpose.) Birding is best in the morning for both lighting and wind; afternoon winds can
get fierce. The scenery is spectacular! (The trail is narrow, but generally flat.)
A-17 ARROYO DE LA CRUZ:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) (Detail Map) From #A-16 drive north
on Rte 1 for another 4.2 miles and park off the road just north of the high bridge.
BIRDING: Scan up and down from the bridge. Walk down the trail at the northwest end of the bridge (short, but steep, rocky and slippery). At the bottom, follow the little-used trail at the willow-meadow border (flat and easy walking). Bird the willows for MIGRANT PASSERINES. This meadow is filled with weeds and is a wetland at the far side; the kind of place where anything could show up! Just past the abandoned tractor bear left into an opening and find a very obscure opening into the willows at the far west end. (This part through the willows is tough walking due to overhanging branches.) In a few hundred yards the trail emerges into the open. Bird the creek-mouth pools, beach and willows.
A-18 SAN CARPOFORO CREEK:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) From #A-17, drive north on Rte 1 for another 4.4 miles and park
off the road.
BIRDING: Check the creek from the bridge and then follow a trail that leads to a seasonal lagoon and the beach. Rare
fall migrants including Reddish Egret, Black-and-white Warbler, and Summer Tanager have been found here. This area
is not birded that often, but the habitat and access are there.
A-19 RAGGED POINT INN:
DIRECTIONS: (MAP) (Detail Map) From #A-18 drive north
on Rte 1 for another 1.5 miles and park at the last parking area of the inn.
BIRDING: The small waterfall that flows off the cliff just north of the inn is the only place in the county known to have nesting
BLACK SWIFTS. The waterfall area can be viewed from the trail to the end of the point (about 0.5 miles round trip loop on
paved gently sloping trails). Early morning and evening are best, since they generally feed high in the hills or just high
in the sky during the day. The tall cypress trees by the road are good for OLIVE-SIDED FLYCATCHERS and PURPLE FINCHES (summer).
An optional hike is to cross Rte 1 and find a trail that follows south near the road. This trail turns east shortly and joins
a road that ascends the coastal hills. This hike is strenuous, ascending 1900 vertical feet in 2.3 miles to the top!
The trail and road are marked on the map. At the top, roads follow the ridge north and south. The habitat at the base of the
trail is grassy and coastal scrub. It then passes through dense riparian - oak woodlands. There are a few pines at the top.
This area is seldom birded. PYGMY OWLS have been found at the higher slopes.
