Wetland birding habitat

Big Lagoon

California · Southwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Big Lagoon is a productive birding destination in California, with 214 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Bufflehead, Double-crested Cormorant, and Belted Kingfisher among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

California Condor

Gymnogyps californianus

7/15/2026Orick (town)1 observed

Evening Grosbeak

Hesperiphona vespertina

7/14/2026Prairie Creek Redwoods SP--Elk Prairie1 observed

Red Crossbill (Sitka Spruce or type 10)

Loxia curvirostra

7/14/2026Beau Pre Golf Club (restricted access)6 observed

Northern Flicker (Yellow-shafted x Red-shafted)

Colaptes auratus

7/14/2026Beau Pre Golf Club (restricted access)4 observed

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

7/14/2026Stone Lagoon--north1 observed

White-breasted Nuthatch

Sitta carolinensis

7/12/2026Redwood NP--Lyons Ranch Trail2 observed

White-breasted Nuthatch (Pacific)

Sitta carolinensis

7/12/2026Redwood NP--Dolason Prairie Picnic Area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Band-tailed Pigeon

17/15/2026

Black Oystercatcher

17/15/2026

Killdeer

27/15/2026

Turkey Vulture

47/15/2026

Song Sparrow

47/15/2026

Surf Scoter

257/14/2026

California Quail

27/14/2026

Mourning Dove

27/14/2026

Black-bellied Plover

27/14/2026

Semipalmated Plover

27/14/2026

Snowy Plover

37/14/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

27/14/2026

Short-billed Dowitcher

17/14/2026

Sanderling

17/14/2026

Least Sandpiper

407/14/2026

Western Sandpiper

1507/14/2026

Heermann's Gull

307/14/2026

Western Gull

107/14/2026

California Gull

257/14/2026

Caspian Tern

47/14/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  3. 3

    Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Big Lagoon for birding?
The best months to visit Big Lagoon for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Big Lagoon?
Notable species at Big Lagoon include Bufflehead, Double-crested Cormorant, Belted Kingfisher, American Robin, White-crowned Sparrow. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Big Lagoon?
Birding at Big Lagoon is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Big Lagoon?
Big Lagoon offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.