Birding in California

Explore 538 birding hotspots across wetland, desert, coastal, grassland, forest, marsh, urban park, riparian, chaparral, salt pond, lake, canyon, river/riparian, estuary habitats in California.

538

Locations

229+

Notable Species

Habitat Types

Peak Seasons

Complete California Birding Guide

Top locations, species, seasonal tips, and more

→

Desert birding hotspot in California with 250 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter

California

Moderate

Arcata Bottoms - V Saint Loop

Desert birding hotspot in California with 252 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter

a large white bird flying over a body of water

California

Moderate

Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary

Wetland birding hotspot in California with 341 recorded species.

WetlandFallWinter

California

Moderate

Arroyo de la Cruz

CoastalFallWinter

California

Moderate

Bette Davis Picnic Area

Desert birding hotspot in California with 236 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter

California

Moderate

Big Bear Lake

Lake birding hotspot in California with 245 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter

California

Moderate

Big Lagoon

Wetland birding hotspot in California with 214 recorded species.

WetlandFallWinter

California

Easy

Big Morongo Canyon Preserve & Covington Park

Canyon birding hotspot in California with 274 recorded species.

CanyonUrban ParkFallWinter

California

Moderate

Big Tujunga Wash - NE of 210 Fwy including Haines pond area

Lake birding hotspot in California with 201 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter

California

Challenging

Birchim Canyon

Canyon birding hotspot in California with 222 recorded species.

CanyonFallWinter

California

Easy

Blufftop Coastal Park and Poplar Beach

Coastal birding hotspot in California with 223 recorded species.

CoastalUrban ParkFallWinter

California

Moderate

Bob Jones Trail

Desert birding hotspot in California with 230 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter

California

Moderate

Bobelaine Audubon Sanctuary

Desert birding hotspot in California with 206 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter

California

Moderate

Bodega Bay - harbor and immediate vicinity

Coastal birding hotspot in California with 339 recorded species.

CoastalFallWinter

California

Moderate

Bodega Bay - north shore (includes rail ponds)

Coastal birding hotspot in California with 250 recorded species.

CoastalFallWinter

California

Moderate

Bolinas Lagoon

Wetland birding hotspot in California with 308 recorded species.

WetlandFallWinter

California

Moderate

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Desert birding hotspot in California with 299 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter

California

Challenging

Bonsall/Zuma Canyon

Canyon birding hotspot in California with 259 recorded species.

CanyonFallWinter

California

Easy

Border Field State Park & Goat Canyon

Canyon birding hotspot in California with 257 recorded species.

CanyonGrasslandFallWinter

California

Moderate

Borrego Springs - Resort and Country Club

Desert birding hotspot in California with 211 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter

California

Moderate

Bravo Lake

Lake birding hotspot in California with 213 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter

California

Moderate

Bridgeport Reservoir

Lake birding hotspot in California with 227 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter

California

Challenging

Bridgeway Island Pond

Coastal birding hotspot in California with 215 recorded species.

CoastalLakeFallWinter

California

Moderate

Buena Vista Rec Area

Desert birding hotspot in California with 206 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter

California

Moderate

Butte Valley Wildlife Area - Meiss Lake

Lake birding hotspot in California with 205 recorded species.

LakeWetlandFallWinter

California

Moderate

Butterbredt Spring

Desert birding hotspot in California with 242 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter

California

Moderate

Cabrillo Beach and pier

Coastal birding hotspot in California with 253 recorded species.

CoastalFallWinter

California

Moderate

Cabrillo National Monument

Desert birding hotspot in California with 290 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter

California

Easy

Cachuma Lake Park

Lake birding hotspot in California with 219 recorded species.

LakeUrban ParkFallWinter

California

Easy

California City Central Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in California with 298 recorded species.

Urban ParkFallWinter

California

Moderate

Camp Pendleton - Lake O'Neill

Lake birding hotspot in California with 244 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter

California

Moderate

Campbell Cove and Hole in the Head - ONLY

Coastal birding hotspot in California with 284 recorded species.

CoastalFallWinter

California

Moderate

Candlestick Point State Rec. Area - long traveling lists - use specific hotspot where appropriate

River/RiparianFallWinter

California

Moderate

Castaic Lagoon

Wetland birding hotspot in California with 241 recorded species.

WetlandFallWinter

California

Easy

Cattle Call Park

River/RiparianFallWinter

California

Moderate

Clear Lake

Lake birding hotspot in California with 210 recorded species.

Wetland birding hotspot in California with 228 recorded species.

WetlandFallWinter

Beautiful view of a majestic river with lush green hills during bright day sunlight, beauty in nature concept.

California

Moderate

Cosumnes River Preserve

River/Riparian birding hotspot in California with 255 recorded species.

River/RiparianFallWinter

California

Moderate

Cosumnes River Preserve - Tall Forest (limited access)

Forest birding hotspot in California with 228 recorded species.

Desert birding hotspot in California with 226 recorded species.

Coastal birding hotspot in California with 218 recorded species.

CoastalFallWinter

California

Easy

El Dorado Regional Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in California with 246 recorded species.

Desert birding hotspot in California with 232 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter

California

Moderate

Eureka Waterfront - Eureka (Palco) Marsh

Wetland birding hotspot in California with 209 recorded species.

WetlandFallWinter

California

Easy

Fairmount Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in California with 235 recorded species.

Urban ParkFallWinter

California

Moderate

Fall River Valley

River/Riparian birding hotspot in California with 232 recorded species.

River/RiparianFallWinter

a small bird sitting on top of a metal pipe

California

Moderate

Famosa Slough

Wetland birding hotspot in California with 261 recorded species.

WetlandFallWinter

California

Moderate

Ferndale Bottoms

Desert birding hotspot in California with 224 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter

California

Moderate

Fig Lagoon

Wetland birding hotspot in California with 221 recorded species.

WetlandFallWinter

California

Moderate

Finney Lake

Lake birding hotspot in California with 240 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter

California

Moderate

Fitzgerald Marine Reserve

Desert birding hotspot in California with 259 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter

California

Moderate

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Beals Point

Lake birding hotspot in California with 223 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter

California

Moderate

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Folsom Point

Lake birding hotspot in California with 210 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter

California

Moderate

Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Granite Bay Launch Ramp vicinity

Coastal birding hotspot in California with 202 recorded species.

River/Riparian birding hotspot in California with 366 recorded species.

River/RiparianFallWinter

California

Moderate

Galileo Hill - Silver Saddle Ranch and Club

Desert birding hotspot in California with 338 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter

California

Easy

Gaviota State Park

Desert birding hotspot in California with 260 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter

California

Moderate

Gazos Creek Beach - west of Hwy 1 only

Coastal birding hotspot in California with 217 recorded species.

Desert birding hotspot in California with 248 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter

California

Challenging

Grizzly Island Wildlife Area

Coastal birding hotspot in California with 219 recorded species.

CoastalWetlandFallWinter

California

Easy

Guajome Regional Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in California with 225 recorded species.

Urban ParkFallWinter

California

Easy

Gualala Point Regional Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in California with 225 recorded species.

Desert birding hotspot in California with 293 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter

California

Moderate

Hayward Regional Shoreline - Grant Avenue access

Desert birding hotspot in California with 212 recorded species.

Lake birding hotspot in California with 207 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter

California

Moderate

Honey Lake Wildlife Area - Dakin Unit

Lake birding hotspot in California with 207 recorded species.

Desert birding hotspot in California with 203 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter

California

Moderate

Irvine Lake

Lake birding hotspot in California with 229 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter

California

Easy

Irvine Regional Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in California with 252 recorded species.

Wetland birding hotspot in California with 244 recorded species.

WetlandFallWinter

California

Easy

Kern River County Park

River/Riparian birding hotspot in California with 211 recorded species.

River/RiparianUrban ParkFallWinter

California

Moderate

Kern River Delta - south fork

River/Riparian birding hotspot in California with 206 recorded species.

Wetland birding hotspot in California with 235 recorded species.

Lake birding hotspot in California with 227 recorded species.

LakeChaparralFallWinter

California

Moderate

Lake Isabella

Lake birding hotspot in California with 229 recorded species.

Urban Park birding hotspot in California with 202 recorded species.

Urban ParkFallWinter

California

Moderate

Land's End - long traveling lists - use more specific hotspots where appropriate

Desert birding hotspot in California with 260 recorded species.

Lake birding hotspot in California with 219 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter

California

Moderate

Lopez Lake

Lake birding hotspot in California with 204 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter

California

Easy

Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden

Forest birding hotspot in California with 222 recorded species.

ForestUrban ParkFallWinter

California

Moderate

Los Angeles River - Frogtown

River/Riparian birding hotspot in California with 205 recorded species.

Coastal birding hotspot in California with 203 recorded species.

CoastalFallWinter

California

Easy

MacKerricher State Park- Lake Cleone and Campgrounds

Lake birding hotspot in California with 259 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter

California

Easy

Mad River County Park

River/Riparian birding hotspot in California with 249 recorded species.

River/RiparianUrban ParkFallWinter

a bird sitting on top of a pole in a field

California

Moderate

Madrona Marsh

Wetland birding hotspot in California with 276 recorded species.

WetlandFallWinter

California

Easy

Malibu Creek State Park

River/Riparian birding hotspot in California with 232 recorded species.

Urban Park birding hotspot in California with 200 recorded species.

Desert birding hotspot in California with 213 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter

California

Moderate

Morro Bay Estuary when possible)

Coastal birding hotspot in California with 259 recorded species.

CoastalEstuaryFallWinter

a trail winds through a grassy field with mountains in the background

California

Easy

Morro Bay State Park - Marina/Boardwalk Trail

Coastal birding hotspot in California with 266 recorded species.

CoastalFallWinter

California

Moderate

Morro Rock

Desert birding hotspot in California with 236 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter

California

Moderate

Morro Strand State Beach

Coastal birding hotspot in California with 233 recorded species.

Lake birding hotspot in California with 214 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter

California

Challenging

Owl Canyon - ONLY (waterbirds from this site OK)

Canyon birding hotspot in California with 263 recorded species.

CanyonFallWinter

California

Moderate

Pacheco Pond

Lake birding hotspot in California with 201 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter

California

Easy

Pacific Commons Linear Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in California with 207 recorded species.

Urban ParkFallWinter

California

Moderate

Paicines Reservoir

Lake birding hotspot in California with 219 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter

California

Moderate

Pajaro Dunes - general area (closed to birders as of 2024)

Desert birding hotspot in California with 246 recorded species.

Desert birding hotspot in California with 255 recorded species.

Desert birding hotspot in California with 278 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter

California

Moderate

Point La Jolla - seawatch

Desert birding hotspot in California with 259 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter

California

Moderate

Point Lobos State Reserve

Desert birding hotspot in California with 248 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter

California

Easy

Point Mugu State Park - Sycamore Canyon

Canyon birding hotspot in California with 281 recorded species.

CanyonFallWinter

California

Easy

Point Pinole Regional Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in California with 244 recorded species.

Urban ParkFallWinter

A dirt path through a forest with lots of trees

California

Moderate

Point Pinos - general (sea & shore Coral to Jewell, Crespi Pond & cypresses)

Coastal birding hotspot in California with 355 recorded species.

Desert birding hotspot in California with 282 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter

California

Moderate

Presidio - Crissy Field

Grassland birding hotspot in California with 261 recorded species.

GrasslandFallWinter

California

Moderate

Primm Valley Golf Club

Desert birding hotspot in California with 219 recorded species.

Urban Park birding hotspot in California with 203 recorded species.

Desert birding hotspot in California with 251 recorded species.

Wetland birding hotspot in California with 222 recorded species.

WetlandCoastalFallWinter

A flock of birds flying over a body of water

California

Moderate

San Diego River mudflats (including Robb Field & Quivira Way)

River/Riparian birding hotspot in California with 290 recorded species.

River/RiparianGrasslandFallWinter

California

Easy

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Urban Park birding hotspot in California with 229 recorded species.

Urban ParkFallWinter

California

Moderate

San Dieguito Lagoon - Southeast & Dust Devil Trails

Wetland birding hotspot in California with 216 recorded species.

WetlandFallWinter

California

Moderate

San Dieguito Sports Fields & Riparian

River/Riparian birding hotspot in California with 200 recorded species.

River/RiparianFallWinter

a body of water surrounded by trees and bushes

California

Moderate

San Elijo Lagoon - west

Wetland birding hotspot in California with 291 recorded species.

WetlandFallWinter

California

Moderate

San Felipe Lake / Soap Lake

Lake birding hotspot in California with 205 recorded species.

LakeFallWinter

California

Moderate

San Gabriel Coastal Basin Spreading Grounds

Desert birding hotspot in California with 244 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter

California

Moderate

San Gabriel River / San Jose Creek confluence

River/Riparian birding hotspot in California with 204 recorded species.

River/RiparianFallWinter

California

Moderate

San Gregorio SB

Desert birding hotspot in California with 201 recorded species.

Desert birding hotspot in California with 241 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter

California

Moderate

Seacliff SB

Desert birding hotspot in California with 230 recorded species.

Desert birding hotspot in California with 208 recorded species.

Lake birding hotspot in California with 202 recorded species.

LakeWetlandFallWinter

California

Moderate

Turri Road

Desert birding hotspot in California with 217 recorded species.

River/Riparian birding hotspot in California with 246 recorded species.

River/Riparian birding hotspot in California with 202 recorded species.

River/RiparianFallWinter

California

Moderate

Woodbridge Rd (W of I-5)

Desert birding hotspot in California with 200 recorded species.

DesertChaparralFallWinter

California

Moderate

Woodland WTP

Forest birding hotspot in California with 224 recorded species.

Wetland birding hotspot in California with 254 recorded species.

WetlandCoastalFallWinter

Notable Species

Key species found across birding locations in California:

Yellow-footed GullGull-billed TernBurrowing OwlAbert's TowheeCrissal ThrasherGambel's QuailMourning DoveGreat EgretTurkey VultureNorthern HarrierTufted PuffinSnowy PloverNorthern Spotted OwlTricolored BlackbirdBlack RailGreater ScaupBuffleheadEurasian Collared-DoveShort-billed GullRing-billed Gull

Habitats & Best Seasons

Habitat Types:

WetlandDesertCoastalGrasslandForestMarshUrban ParkRiparianChaparralSalt PondLakeCanyonRiver/RiparianEstuary

Best Seasons:

SpringSummerFallWinter

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best birding spots in California?▼

The top birding locations in California include Salton Sea, Point Reyes National Seashore, Mono Lake, Elkhorn Slough, Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Malibu Lagoon State Beach, Sepulveda Basin Wildlife Reserve, Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, Coyote Hills Regional Park, Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge, Golden Gate Park, Huntington Central Park, Ballona Wetlands Ecological Reserve, Eaton Canyon Natural Area Park, Baylands Nature Preserve, Lake Merced, Albany Bulb, Alexandre Dairy, Alviso Marina County Park, American Canyon Wetlands, American River Parkway - Sailor Bar, American River Parkway - William B Pond Rec Area, Andree Clark Bird Refuge, Andrew Molera State Park - Big Sur River mouth, Ano Nuevo State Park - Visitors Center, Elephant Seals and trails, Antonelli Pond, Apollo Park, Arcata Bottoms, Arcata Bottoms - V Saint Loop, Arcata Marsh and Wildlife Sanctuary, Arroyo de la Cruz, Arroyo Laguna, Asilomar SB - sandy beach only, Atascadero Lake, Atwater Village, Babel Slough, Baker sewage ponds, Ballona Freshwater Marsh, Batiquitos Lagoon - north side trails, Bedwell Bayfront Park-Menlo Park, Benicia State Recreation Area, Berkeley Aquatic Park, Bethel Island, Bette Davis Picnic Area, Big Bear Lake, Big Lagoon, Big Morongo Canyon Preserve & Covington Park, Big Tujunga Wash - NE of 210 Fwy including Haines pond area, Birchim Canyon, Blufftop Coastal Park and Poplar Beach, Bob Jones Trail, Bobelaine Audubon Sanctuary, Bodega Bay - harbor and immediate vicinity, Bodega Bay - north shore (includes rail ponds), Bolinas Lagoon, Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve, Bonsall/Zuma Canyon, Border Field State Park & Goat Canyon, Borrego Springs - Resort and Country Club, Bravo Lake, Bridgeport Reservoir, Bridgeway Island Pond, Buena Vista Rec Area, Butte Valley Wildlife Area - Meiss Lake, Butterbredt Spring, Cabrillo Beach and pier, Cabrillo National Monument, Cachuma Lake Park, California City Central Park, Camp Pendleton - Lake O'Neill, Campbell Cove and Hole in the Head - ONLY, Candlestick Point State Rec. Area - long traveling lists - use specific hotspot where appropriate, Canebrake Ecological Reserve, Carbon Canyon Regional Park, CARE Park (Pajaro River Picnic Area) and wastewater treatment facility, Carmel River - Hwy 1 riparian (wading) and/or permit-only Odello, Carmel River SB (beach, lagoon, and/or Cross Hill), Carpinteria Creek, Castaic Lagoon, Cattle Call Park, Cerro Coso Community College, Cesar Chavez Park, Charleston Slough/Coast Casey Forebay, China Ranch Date Farm, Clam and Little River State Beach, Clear Creek WTP, Clear Lake, Clear Lake State Park, Clifton Court Forebay, Coal Oil Point Reserve - Devereux Slough, College Lake, Colorado Lagoon, Colusa National Wildlife Refuge, Corcoran Lagoon, Corte Madera Marsh, Cosumnes River Preserve, Cosumnes River Preserve - Tall Forest (limited access), Coyote Hills Regional Park, Coyote Point County Park, Crab Park, Crescent City Harbor, Crowley Lake, Crown Memorial SB - Crab Cove area, Crystal Cove State Park, Crystal Cove State Park - Pelican Point, Dairy Mart Ponds, Davis Wetlands, Davis WTP, Death Valley National Park - Scotty's Castle, Death Valley National Park - Stovepipe Wells, DeForest Park, Del Mar Public Works, Del Valle Regional Park, Descanso Gardens, Desert Center - Lake Tamarisk, Diaz Lake, Dixon Lane-Meadowcreek (incl. Greengate Cottonwoods), Doheny State Beach, Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge, Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge, Don Edwards National Wildlife Refuge - Env. Ed. Center and nearby upland areas, Doran Regional Park - entrance pond to jetty, Eagle Lake, Ed Levin CP - Sandy Wool-Elm areas, Eel River Wildlife Area - Ocean Ranch Unit, El Capitan State Beach, El Dorado Regional Park, Elk River Wildlife Sanctuary (incl. Hikshari' Trail & WTP), Elkhorn Slough - Estrada & North marsh and/or Kirby Park, Elkhorn Slough Reserve, Elsie Roemer Bird Sanctuary, Emeryville Marina, Estero Bluffs State Park, Eureka Waterfront - Eureka (Palco) Marsh, Fairmount Park, Fall River Valley, Famosa Slough, Ferndale Bottoms, Fig Lagoon, Finney Lake, Fitzgerald Marine Reserve, Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Beals Point, Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Folsom Point, Folsom Lake State Recreation Area - Granite Bay Launch Ramp vicinity, Fort Mason, Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery (no birding 8a-5p), Frank G. Bonelli RP - North Access, Frank G. Bonelli RP/Puddingstone Reservoir and vicinity, Fresno WTP, Furnace Creek Ranch - The Ranch at Death Valley, Galileo Hill - Silver Saddle Ranch and Club, Gaviota State Park, Gazos Creek Beach - west of Hwy 1 only, Giacomini Wetlands, Gilroy Ponds and Llagas Creek, Glen Helen Regional Park, Golden Gate Park - long traveling lists - use more specific hotspots where appropriate, Golden Shore Marine Reserve, Gray Lodge WA, Grizzly Island Wildlife Area, Guajome Regional Park, Gualala Point Regional Park, Hahamongna Watershed Park, Half Moon Bay SB - Venice Beach and Pilarcitos/Frenchman's Creek Mouth, Hamilton Wetlands, Hansen Dam, Hardie Park/Cayucos Creek (Ocean Ave Bridge to Hwy 1 Bridge), Cayucos, Harkins Slough, Harmony Headlands State Park, Harper Dry Lake, Harriett M. Wieder Regional Park, Huntington Beach, Hart Park, Hawk Hill, Hayward Regional Shoreline, Hayward Regional Shoreline - Grant Avenue access, Heron's Head Park, Hidden Valley Wildlife Area, Holiday Lake, Holland Tract, Hollywood Reservoir, Honey Lake, Honey Lake Wildlife Area - Dakin Unit, Honey Lake Wildlife Area - Fleming Unit, Hudeman Slough Wetlands, Humboldt Bay - King Salmon, Humboldt Bay - North Spit jetty, Humboldt Bay - South Spit, Humboldt Bay - Woodley Island, Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Salmon Creek Unit, Huntington Central Park, Imperial Dam, Imperial Irrigation District Wetland Project - Niland, Imperial Valley - general area, Indian Creek Reservoir, Inyokern - South of Hwy 178, Ironhouse Sanitary District, Irvine Lake, Irvine Regional Park, IRWD San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary, Irvine, Jacumba - town, pond, fields, Jalama Beach County Park, Jim May Park, John F. Kennedy Memorial Park, Joseph D. Grant County Park, Ken Malloy Harbor Regional Park, Kendall-Frost Marsh Reserve, Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, Kern National Wildlife Refuge, Kern River County Park, Kern River Delta - south fork, Kern River Preserve - Headquarters, Kit Carson Park, Klamath River mouth, Lafayette Reservoir, Lagoon Valley Park and Pena Adobe Historical Area, Laguna Creek beach and marsh, Laguna Grande Park, Laguna Lake, Laguna Niguel Regional Park, Lake Almanor, Lake Almanor - Hwy 36 Causeway, Lake Casitas, Lake Casitas Recreation Area, Lake Cunningham, Lake Cuyamaca, Lake Earl Wildlife Area - Lakeview Dr. overlook, Lake Elizabeth, Lake Elsinore - south levee and back basin, Lake Hemet, Lake Hennessey, Lake Henshaw, Lake Herman, Lake Hodges - Del Dios area (west end), Lake Hodges - east end (footbridge, lakebed, scrub), Lake Isabella, Lake Los Carneros Park, Lake Matthews, Lake Merced - Concrete Bridge area, Lake Merced - for long traveling lists - use more specific hotspots where appropriate, Lake Merritt, Lake Ming, Lake Morena, Lake Murray - southeast side, Lake Palmdale, Lake Perris State Recreation Area, Lake Piru, Lake Shastina, Lake Sherwood, Lake Skinner County Park, Lake Solano County Park, Lake Tolowa, Lake Yosemite County Park, Lakeside County Park, Land's End - long traveling lists - use more specific hotspots where appropriate, Las Gallinas Valley Sanitary District, Lava Beds National Monument, Legg Lake, Leo Carrillo State Park, Lindo Lake, Llano Seco (viewing platform area & ponds to south), Locke-Paddon Park, Lodi Lake Nature Area, Lopez Lake, Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden, Los Angeles River - Frogtown, Los Angeles River - Willow Saint, Los Banos Wildlife Area, Los Gatos Creek County Park and Oka Ponds, Los Penasquitos Lagoon - mouth & beach, Lost Lake Rec Area, Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour Route, Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge (CA side), Lower Otay Reservoir - south arm & boat ramp, MacKerricher State Park - Glass Beach, MacKerricher State Park - Ten Mile Beach, MacKerricher State Park- Lake Cleone and Campgrounds, Mad River County Park, Madrona Marsh, Malibu Creek State Park, Malibu Lagoon - State Beach including Lagoon, Manchester State Park, Martinez Regional Shoreline Park, Mather Lake, Matilija Riparian and Lake, McGrath State Beach - general, McKinleyville - Vista Point, Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens, Mendocino Headlands North, Merced National Wildlife Refuge, Middle Harbor Shoreline Park, Mile Square Regional Park, Fountain Valley, Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline, Mission Trails Regional Park - Northeast Region, MLK Jr. Regional Shoreline - Arrowhead Marsh, Modoc National Wildlife Refuge, Mojave Narrows Regional Park, Mojave National Preserve - Kelso, Mono Lake - general area, Mono Lake - Lee Vining Creek Delta, Mono Lake - Rush Creek Delta, Mono Lake - South Tufa area, Mono Lake County Park, Montana de Oro State Park, Monterey - El Estero Lake and/or Monterey cemeteries, Moonglow Dairy (Fri-Sun only; closed Mon-Thur), More Mesa, Mori Point, Morro Bay Estuary when possible), Morro Bay State Park - Marina/Boardwalk Trail, Morro Rock, Morro Strand State Beach, Moss Landing - Jetty Road, north jetty & State Beach, Moss Landing Marine Lab, Mugu Lagoon - east arm, Mugu Rock - seawatch, Muir Beach - includes beach, Redwood Creek riparian corridor, Green Gulch, Napa-Sonoma Marshes WA - Huichica Creek Unit, Natural Bridges SB, Navarro River Redwoods State Park - Estuary, Beach and Campground, Neary Lagoon, New Brighton SB, Nicasio Reservoir, Nik and Nik Gravel Ponds, Nob Hill Pond, North Area Drainage Pond, O'Neill Forebay, Oak Canyon Nature Center, Anaheim, Oasis Ranch, Ocean Beach County Park and Santa Ynez River Estuary, Oceanside Harbor & San Luis Rey River mouth, Ogier Ponds, Ojai Meadows, Ormond Beach - Arnold Road, Ormond Beach and lagoon, Orr Ranch (limited access), Oso Flaco Lake (not for beach/ocean), Owens Lake, Owl Canyon - ONLY (waterbirds from this site OK), Pacheco Pond, Pacific Commons Linear Park, Paicines Reservoir, Pajaro Dunes - general area (closed to birders as of 2024), Palo Alto Baylands, Palo Corona RP - Rancho Cañada & South Bank Trail, Palo Verde Ecological Reserve, Paynes Creek Wetland including Bass Pond, Pecho Road Willows, Peck Road Water Conservation Park, Pepperdine University ponds, Pescadero Marsh and Natural Preserve - (North pond,lagoon and marsh trails east of Hwy 1), Peters Canyon Reg Park, Picacho State Recreation Area, Pico Ave/Pico Creek, Pigeon Point, Pillar Point Harbor, Pillar Point Harbor - West Point Avenue Riparian areas, Freshwater Pond trails, includes Maverick's Beach, Pinto Lake County Park, Pismo Creek mouth, Pismo SB - Oceano Campground, Pixley National Wildlife Refuge, Playa del Rey/Ballona area, Point Arena Lighthouse- grounds and gate overlook ONLY, Point Arena vicinity, Point Dume, Point La Jolla - seawatch, Point Lobos State Reserve, Point Mugu State Park - Sycamore Canyon, Point Pinole Regional Park, Point Pinos - general (sea & shore Coral to Jewell, Crespi Pond & cypresses), Point Pinos - seawatch only, Point Reyes - Abbotts Lagoon, Point Reyes - Drakes Beach (DO NOT INCLUDE Horseshoe Pond or beach/estero beyond Horseshoe Pond), Point Reyes - Drakes Estero, Point Reyes - Estero Trail, Point Reyes - Fish Docks (DO NOT INCLUDE Chimney Rock area), Point Reyes - HISTORICAL Outer Point (PRE-1990s ONLY), Point Reyes - Kehoe Beach, Point Reyes - Lighthouse, Point Reyes - Limantour Beach, Point Reyes - Limantour Spit, Point Reyes - Mendoza Ranch (B Ranch), Point Reyes - Tomales Point Trail, Point Reyes Bird Observatory - Palomarin, Point Saint George, Point San Pablo/Point Molate, Polliwog Park, Prado Regional Park, Pre-Los Vaqueros Reservoir Study Site, Presidio - Battery Godfrey, Presidio - Crissy Field, Primm Valley Golf Club, Putah Creek Riparian Reserve, Putah Creek Sinks, Quail Lake, Radio Road, Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve, including Santa Maria River Estuary, Rancho Jurupa Park, Red Bluff Rec Area, Redwood Creek mouth, Refugio State Beach, Riverside, University of California campus, Rodeo Lagoon (including beach and offshore), Rodman Slough - Nice Lucerne Cutoff, Russ Ranch Wetlands, Sacramento County Bufferlands (limited access), Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge, Sacramento National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Route & Visitor Center, Salinas River National Wildlife Refuge, Salmon Creek mouth, Salton Sea - 84th Avenue, Salton Sea - north end, Salton Sea - North Shore marina, Salton Sea - Obsidian Butte, Salton Sea - Poe Road, Salton Sea - Red Hill area, Salton Sea - south end, Salton Sea - Wister Unit, Salton Sea - Young Road (west end), Salton Sea State Recreation Area - Headquarters and Campground, Salton Sea State Recreation Area - Salt Creek Beach, San Clemente Island - Lemon Tank, San Clemente Island - Wilson Cove (town), San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Sweetwater Marsh Unit / Living Coast Discovery Center (limited access), San Diego River mudflats (including Robb Field & Quivira Way), San Diego Zoo Safari Park, San Dieguito Lagoon - Southeast & Dust Devil Trails, San Dieguito Sports Fields & Riparian, San Elijo Lagoon - west, San Felipe Lake / Soap Lake, San Gabriel Coastal Basin Spreading Grounds, San Gabriel River / San Jose Creek confluence, San Gregorio SB, San Jacinto Wildlife Area, San Jacinto Wildlife Area - Mystic Lake, San Joaquin River National Wildlife Refuge, San Leandro Marina, San Luis National Wildlife Refuge, San Mateo Point & Creek (Trestles Beach), San Nicolas Island, San Pablo Bay National Wildlife Refuge - Reclamation Road, San Simeon Pier, San Simeon State Park, San Timoteo Creek, Santa Barbara Island, Santa Catalina Island - Avalon area, Santa Clara River Estuary, Santa Clara Valley Water District, Santa Cruz Island - Prisoners Harbor, Santa Cruz Island - Scorpion Canyon Campgrounds, Santa Cruz Island / Limuw, Santa Fe Dam Rec. Area, Santa Rosa Creek mouth, Santa Rosa Creek Trail and Delta Pond (west of Willowside Rd), Santee Lakes, Saticoy Spreading Ponds, Sea Ranch, Seacliff SB, Sepulveda Basin - East of Woodley Ave, Sepulveda Basin - Lake Balboa, Shadow Cliffs Regional Park, Shasta Valley Wildlife Area, Sherman Island, Shollenberger Park, Shoshone Village, Sierra Valley - Marble Hot Springs Road, Silver Lake Reservoir, Silverwood Lake, Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge, Sonny Bono Salton Sea National Wildlife Refuge - Union Tract / Visitor Center, South Coast Botanic Garden, South Richmond Marshes (Stege, Hoffman) and Meeker Slough, Spring Lake Regional Park, Stafford Lake County Park, Staten Island, Stevens Creek Trail - north of US-101, Stinson Beach, Stockton WTP, Stone Lagoon, Success Lake - Tule & Rocky Hill Areas/CA-190 viewing locations, Sue-Meg State Park, Sunnyvale Baylands Park, Sunnyvale WPCP - Landfill, Sunset SB, Susanville Effluent Ponds, Swanton Pond and vicinity, Sweetwater Reservoir, Tahoe Marsh - via San Francisco Avenue, Talbert Nature Preserve, Costa Mesa, Ten Mile River mouth, Terwer Valley, Thermalito Afterbay, Tijuana River Valley - Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch), Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge - Visitor Center/North McCoy Trail, Tinemaha Reservoir, Tolay Regional Park, Tomales Bay - Cypress Grove Point, Tomales Bay - east shore, Tomales Bay - Walker Creek mouth, Tomales Bay State Park, Tomales Bay Trail, Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Sump 1A, Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge - Auto Tour and Sump 1B, Turri Road, Turri Road Tidal Ponds, UCSB - Campus Lagoon, UCSB North Campus Open Space, Ukiah WWTP, Ulistac Natural Area, Upper Newport Bay, Upper Newport Bay - Back Bay Dr., Upper Santa Ana River - Lakeview Avenue to Imperial Hwy, Upper Santa Ana River - Lincoln Avenue to Glassell Saint, Upper Santa Ana River - Tustin Avenue to Lakeview Avenue, Usal Beach Campground, Valley Ford Wetlands, Vasona Lake County Park, Ventura River Estuary, Ventura Settling Ponds, Villa Creek - Estero Bluffs State Park, Waddell SB, Waterbird Regional Preserve/McNabney Marsh, West San Gabriel River Parkway Nature Trail, Whale Rock Reservoir, Whelan Lake Bird Sanctuary (permission required), Whitewater Preserve, Wilder Ranch State Park - Four Mile Beach, Wilder Ranch State Park - Old Cove Landing Trail, William R Mason Regional Park, Irvine, Willow Creek Road - West end - from Hwy 1 to dilapidated 2 barns, Woodbridge Rd (W of I-5), Woodland WTP, Yolo Bypass Wildlife Area, Yorba Regional Park, Anaheim, Yucaipa Regional Park, Yucca Valley Golf Course, Zmudowski SB, Zuma Beach and Lagoon. Each offers unique habitats and species.

When is the best time to go birding in California?▼

The best seasons for birding in California are Spring and Summer and Fall and Winter. Spring migration brings diverse species through the area. Winter offers opportunities for cold-weather specialties and waterfowl.

What birds can I see in California?▼

Notable species in California include Yellow-footed Gull, Gull-billed Tern, Burrowing Owl, Abert's Towhee, Crissal Thrasher, Gambel's Quail, Mourning Dove, Great Egret, and more. The state supports wetland, desert, coastal, grassland, forest, marsh, urban park, riparian, chaparral, salt pond, lake, canyon, river/riparian, estuary habitats.

Plan Your Birding Trip

Get the most out of your birding adventure in California with our expert guides.

Beginner's Guide Bird ID Tips Binocular Guide Browse Gear