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Pigeon Point in California is a State Historic
Park that is opened year round for viewing. Along with the lighthouse,
there is a pullout area with a beach and incredible view at Año
Nuevos State Reserve. The lighthouse has been around since November
15, 1872 and is located 50 miles south of San Francisco on Highway 1,
literally between Santa Cruz and San Francisco. The 115 foot tall Pigeon
Point Lighthouse has stood as an active aid to navigation for over 127
years. Pescadero is the closest town to Pigeon Point. |
Birding is a favorite activity here at Pigeon Point. In one season alone,
it was recorded that over one million birds were observed passing by
Pigeon Point. Some of the birds common to the area are: Oystercatcher,
as well as Wandering Tattlers (August-May), Surfbirds (September-April)
and Black Turnstones (year-around). Pigeon Point is one of the reliable
locations, especially during spring and summer, for observing Marbled
Murrelets. A few pairs are resident in the area and may often be found
feeding just beyond the surf when the sea is not too rough. From November
through February a few Ancient Murrelets are often seen here just offshore.
During summer months feeding masses of Sooty Shearwaters are seen from
here and may number in the tens of thousands."
Pigeon Point is also a great place to view Northern Elephant Seals.
The only mainland breeding colony of this amazing creature is located
at Año Nuevo State Reserve, which is only 7 miles up Highway
One from Pigeon Point. Six miles to the East, you can hike through incredible
redwood forests at Butano State Park, another fabulous spot for bird
watching, migrating whales, tide pools and windswept beaches.
As with any of the beaches on the Northern California Coast, the weather
can vary between changing temperatures, fog, heavier marine layers and
rain during the winter months. Layered clothing is highly advised.
by: Carla Iacovetti
©2006Carla Iacovetti
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