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Wildlife Watching on a Monterey Trip – Part 1

Travel, Birds, Landscape photography

I took a short autumn trip, visiting Big Sur, staying overnight in Monterey, and then stopping by Carmel-by-the-Sea the next day. I used the morning hours in Monterey to search for birds and sea otters. The area around Monterey is one of the best spots for observing sea otters. While I had worked hard to spot them in Homer, Alaska, it seems they are actually easier to find here, which raised my expectations.

Before Monterey, here are some scenes from Big Sur. Around 9 a.m., the roads were still quiet, making for a very pleasant drive.

Winter morning coastal view with blue sky near Bixby Bridge
I was able to stop easily at the popular Bixby Bridge as well.
Sunny morning view of the sandy beach at Pfeiffer Beach

Pfeiffer Beach, known for its purple sand. To get here, you have to drive a narrow road for 5 to 10 minutes where passing is difficult. Visiting early was a good call, as it gets crowded later.

Close-up of purple sand at Pfeiffer Beach
Sure enough, purple sand had accumulated. Possibly from manganese-based minerals?

The next morning in Monterey. There are several good spots for birdwatching and wildlife observation in the area. Since I also wanted to enjoy the scenery, I started out from Lovers Point Park. In the early morning, there’s no problem finding parking.

Coastal houses and sea seen from Lovers Point Park in Monterey before dawn under a pink sky
Silhouette of a woman standing on rocky shore at Lovers Point Park in Monterey during dawn glow
As it got brighter, people gathered to see the sunrise. Unfortunately, clouds prevented a spectacular sunrise.
Two Western Gulls perched on rocks at Lovers Point Park in Monterey before sunrise in soft pink light
On the rocks, Western Gulls and others were resting. Now that I think about it, in scenes like this, birds often seem to be facing the sun. Maybe they’re simply drawn to the light, or perhaps there’s something they sense in it.
Silhouettes of Western Gulls perched on rocks with a flying gull at Lovers Point Park in Monterey at dawn
More gulls, same as above.
Close-up of a Brewer’s Blackbird perched on an iron fence at Lovers Point Park in Monterey
Female Brewer’s Blackbirds gathering in a group at the park.
Full-body portrait of a Red-winged Blackbird perched on a stone wall at Lovers Point Park in Monterey, softly backlit by morning sun
Red-winged Blackbirds were mixed in with them. Perhaps they’re being fed.
Rock Pigeon perched on coastal rocks with the sea in the background at Lovers Point Park in Monterey
Rock Doves in the U.S. seem to be more solitary in natural settings rather than flocking in parks like in Japan.
Upper-body portrait of a Western Gull at Lovers Point Park in Monterey
Distant backlit view of many Western Gulls lined up on rocky shore at Lovers Point Park in Monterey
Brandt’s Cormorants gathered on rocks at Lovers Point Park in Monterey, with one spreading its wings in the morning sun
Brandt’s Cormorant.

Equipment used: 500mm f5.6 and others.

Continued in Part 2.

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