As this is an active landfill, with huge trucks and bulldozers using the roads, this is not a site for the casual or inexperienced birder. It is and smells like a dump. The roads are sometimes muddy and conditions uncomfortable. Experienced gull-watchers are permitted access, on days when the landfill is open, only if they (a) check in at the main administration building and sign-in; (b) stay on the few paved roads that are permitted (see map) and park off these roads; (c) must wear reflective yellow or orange vests; and (d) leave the premises before closing time. These are new conditions that began in 2023 and are subject to change in the future, so please be cooperative.

The landfill is closed on Sundays and major holidays; see link above for details of hours or other closures. On most days the landfill closes at 4 p.m.

This is a place that attracts large numbers of gulls -- mostly Western and California Gulls -- but provides an opportunity to search for rarer large gulls, particularly in winter (November though March). Winter rains may make it impractical to attempt to park off the road due to adjacent muddy fields, so care and common sense is necessary. You do not want to get your car stuck here.

The adjacent map shows: the entrance road from Del Monte Boulevard (green; arrow points at stop sign); the administration building for check-in (left jog on red road to office); the two paved roads that bear south from the stop sign (the "birding roads" in red), include the overview at overlooks the distant landfill itself; and the areas that generally have masses of gull (yellow lettering). The gulls fly around a lot, and change roosting spots to fit other uses at the site, and can be somewhat unpredictable as to numbers. Studies have shown that almost of the gulls at the landfill fly from the ocean shore and follow the Salinas River to and from the landfill. Many (most?) of them will roost at the Salinas River mouth when not at the landfill.

The scarcer winter gulls, in declining numbers, are Glaucous-winged, Herring, Iceland (Thayer's) and the occasional Short-billed or Ring-billed. There will be many hybrids and intergrades among the flocks, including Western x Glaucous-winged, Glaucous-winged x Herring, and others that will not be identifiable. The landfill may attract one or two rare Glaucous Gull each winter. If an exceptional rarity is found — Slaty-backed, Lesser Black-backed, Yellow-footed, Laughing or other 'mega' — it should be photographed and immediately reported locally and to eBird.