Seasonal Wildlife

Visiting the refuge is rewarding year-round.  Each season brings different wildlife viewing opportunities. 

Winter
Wintering waterfowl populations on the refuge vary from 500 to 3,000 depending on the availability of water. From November through January, peak numbers of diving ducks and shorebirds, such as ruddy ducks, gadwall, and Northern shoveler, can be seen on the saline pond and the Salinas River from the walking trails.   

Spring and Fall 
The dunes are awash with color as native shrubs and flowers are in bloom.  Western snowy plovers stake out favorite spots to nest, and the spectacles known as the spring and fall migrations bring thousands of birds to the refuge.  In addition to ducks and shorebirds, peregrine falcons, merlins, and ospreys can be seen along the River Trail. Spring migrants like the American goldfinch and Wilson’s warbler are a common sight, and fall migrants including the yellow warbler, white-crowned sparrow, and Pacific-slope flycatcher are visible along the River Trail and parts of the Beach Trail. 

Summer
By April and May most of the migrant birds have flown north to nest, while residents choose to nest on the refuge. Some nesting waterbirds on the refuge include American avocet, black-necked stilt, and Caspian tern.  Western snowy plovers and their young chicks can be seen on the beach, in the dunes and along the edge of the saline pond. In the upland areas along the River Trail, nesting barn and cliff swallows, common yellowthroat, and song sparrows are common. Birds such as gulls, herons, and egrets can be seen year round feeding and roosting on the refuge.  Some non-breeding birds that visit the refuge are brown and white pelicans. As many as 1,400 pelicans have been seen roosting at the river mouth during the summer.

Wildlife Watching Tips

• Be safe and prepared. The climate varies in Monterey Bay throughout the year.  Fog, rain, wind o unexpected temperature drops can occur.  Check the local weather forecast before you visit and wear appropriate clothing.  Sturdy footwear, water, and sun screen are recommended. Be prepared to encounter ticks and mosquitoes.
   
• Dawn and dusk are the best times to see wildlife. Use binoculars or spotting scopes for a closer look and observe from the sidelines.
   
• Quick movements and loud noises will scare away most wildlife.  Staying quietly in one location will let wildlife adjust to your presence. To minimize the disturbance of nesting plovers, stay on the beach for shorter periods of time during the spring and summer, or stay in the area of wet sand. Your presence may keep adult snowy plovers away from their nests or chicks for a significant amount of time.
   
• Be aware of sounds and smells. Often you will hear more than you will see.
   
• Leave young animals alone. Even though you may think they are abandoned, a parent is probably close by waiting for you to leave.
   
• For the protection of plants and wildlife, respect closed-area signs.