Birding in Pinnacles National Park is awesome, you get to see so many birds in so many different habitats. From cliffs to valleys the park is home to many many bird species, including some rare migrants and birds of prey like the Golden Eagle and Prairie Falcon. Whether you’re an experienced birder or just a nature lover looking to get out and enjoy the park, this guide will help you make the most of your birding by pointing out some of the best species and birding spots in the park.
Located near King City in Central California, Pinnacles National Park is famous for its rock formations, vegetation and diverse ecosystems that support many bird species. The park has pine trees, grey pines, oak woodlands and open grasslands, so it’s a great habitat for both migratory and resident birds. Whether you’re hiking the Condor Gulch Trail, standing on the high cliffs of Balconies Cliff or walking the Moses Spring Trail, you’ll see many birds, from the soaring California Condor to the colourful Western Bluebird.
California Condor
No trip to Pinnacles National Park is complete without trying to see the California Condor. With a wingspan of up to 9.5 feet these endangered birds are one of the largest flying species in North America and are a great bird to see. The Pinnacles Desert is a critical reintroduction site for the species and today birders can see this bird soaring high above Machete Ridge or Condor Gulch.
The California Condor is not only a birding highlight but also a symbol of successful wildlife conservation. While they are often seen soaring on thermal currents above the park’s high peaks, condors can also be seen perched on the rocky cliffs. Be sure to bring binoculars to track these distant birds as they glide across the landscape. The Condor Gulch Trail is the best place to start your search, as it has panoramic views of the cliffs where condors roost.
Golden Eagles and Prairie Falcons
Birds of prey are the most exciting birds to see in Pinnacles National Park and none are more iconic than the Golden Eagle. These powerful hunters are often seen flying over the grey pines and open grasslands, scanning for prey. With their keen eyesight and hunting skills, Golden Eagles are a birder’s thrill. They are often seen above the Moses Spring Trail and Balconies Cliff, especially on a beautiful spring day when the thermal updrafts are strong.
Along with the Golden Eagle, the Prairie Falcon is another bird of prey that can be found at the Pinnacles. Known for their speed and agility, the Prairie Falcons nest in the park’s rocky crevices and cliffs, especially around Machete Ridge. They are smaller than the Golden Eagles but no less cool, often seen flying through the canyons looking for food. Their calls can be heard echoing off the cliffs, so if you have good ears, you can hear them. Balconies Cliff and the Condor Gulch Trail are the best places to see the Prairie Falcon in action.
Red-shouldered Hawk and Wedge-tailed Eagle
The Red-shouldered Hawk is also common at Pinnacles National Park, especially in the park’s edge habitats where woodlands meet open space. These hawks are known for their red shoulders and loud, distinctive calls. They are often seen perched in pines or soaring over the valleys, looking for small mammals and reptiles to eat. Birders can see them on the Moses Spring Trail, where the woodland and open space combination is the perfect hunting ground.
Although native to Australia, we mention the wedge-tailed eagle because of its similar habits and size to that of the golden eagle. For international birding, parks like Nambung National Park and Jandakot Regional Park in Australia are great places to see species like the Wedge-tailed Eagle, Freckled Duck and Blue-billed duck. But if you’re local birding, the Pinnacles has plenty of native raptors to see.
Canyon Wren, Oak Titmouse, and Western Bluebird
While the park’s big raptors get all the attention, the Pinnacles tour has many smaller birds that add to the charm and colour of your birding experience. One of these is the Canyon Wren, a small brown songbird with a descending song that echoes through the canyons. This bird can be seen flitting around rocky outcrops and tree trunks, looking for insects. Listen closely as you walk near Balconies Cliff or the Moses Spring Trail, where the Canyon Wren is often heard.
The Oak Titmouse is another small but busy bird found in the park’s oak and grey pine woodlands. This tiny, tufted bird is always on the move, hopping from branch to branch, looking for food. Their high pitched calls are easy to hear and they are often seen with other woodland birds like the Acorn Woodpecker.
For a splash of colour, look for the Western Bluebird, a bright and cheerful bird that adds to any birding trip. These birds can be seen on fences, low branches or tree trunks, especially in the park’s open grasslands and meadows. Their blue plumage and orange chest make them a favourite among birders, especially in the spring when they are most active.
White-throated Swifts
If you want to see aerial acrobats, the White-throated Swift is a bird to watch. These tiny birds are super fast and agile, often seen flying in groups near Machete Ridge or Balconies Cliff. Their white throats and sleek bodies make them easy to see against the rock face. White-throated Swifts are one of the most fun to watch, especially for birders who like to watch birds in flight.
Nocturnal Birds and Others
While most birding is done during the day at the Pinnacles, the park is also home to nocturnal birds, including owls. These birds are more secretive and harder to see, but their hoots can be heard after dark. For birders interested in nocturnal species, staying overnight in the park’s campgrounds might give you a chance to hear or even see owls hunting at night.
For international birders, consider a trip to Australia’s Nambung National Park or Jandakot Regional Park, where you can see species like the Black Cockatoo, Fairy Wren and Bird Orchid. These parks are known for their bird species diversity and are a unique birding experience.
Birding Tips for Pinnacles National Park
- Bring Binoculars: The Pinnacles terrain is rough so binoculars are a must for spotting birds in the distance, especially large raptors like the California Condor and Golden Eagle.
- Go Early: Mornings are the best time for birding as birds are most active, and the light is good for seeing the park’s many birds.
- Check the Visitor Center: The centers are great for tips and park info and for updates on bird sightings and trails.
- Respect the Wildlife: Be mindful of the park’s natural environment and don’t disturb the birds or their habitats, especially during breeding season.
Conclusion
Birding at Pinnacles National Park is for all birders. With its varied habitats from rocky cliffs to oak and gray pine woodlands, the park is a haven for both migratory and resident birds. Whether you want to see the California Condor soaring, the Prairie Falcon flying or the Western Bluebird flitting, this park has it all.
FAQ
What birds can I see at Pinnacles National Park?
California Condor, Golden Eagle, Prairie Falcon, Red-shouldered Hawk, Western Bluebird, Canyon Wren. The park has many habitats to see birds.
Where to bird?
Condor Gulch Trail, Moses Spring Trail, Balconies Cliff. These areas have birds of prey and more.
When to bird?
Spring and fall are best, but birding is good year round. Different species are active at different times.
Tips for birding location at Pinnacles?
Bring binoculars, go early in the morning, check the visitor center for tips and current sightings.
Are there guided birding tours?
Yes, Pinnacles National Park occasionally offers guided birding Pinnacles tours. Check the centers for tips and schedules.