Coastal birding habitat

Blufftop Coastal Park and Poplar Beach

California · Southwest

Habitat
CoastalUrban Park
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Blufftop Coastal Park and Poplar Beach is a productive birding destination in California, with 223 species recorded on eBird. This coastal and urban park habitat attracts Surf Scoter, Brown Pelican, and Red-shouldered Hawk 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

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

7/13/2026Shorebird Park - Beach Park Blvd.37 observed

Vaux's Swift

Chaetura vauxi

7/13/2026Windy Hill OSP--Sausal Pond1 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

7/13/2026Nob Hill Pond1 observed

Song Sparrow (pusillula)

Melospiza melodia

7/13/2026Nob Hill Pond1 observed

Greater Scaup

Aythya marila

7/12/2026Preserve Park2 observed

Northern Gannet

Morus bassanus

7/12/2026Pillar Point Harbor1 observed

Hooded Merganser

Lophodytes cucullatus

7/12/2026Windy Hill OSP--Sausal Pond1 observed

Hermit Thrush

Catharus guttatus

7/12/2026Still Creek Road1 observed

Common Grackle

Quiscalus quiscula

7/12/2026Pescadero Marsh and Natural Preserve--(North pond,lagoon and marsh trails east of Hwy 1)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Western Gull

57/12/2026

California Gull

37/12/2026

Brandt's Cormorant

27/12/2026

Brown Pelican

87/12/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

17/12/2026

Mourning Dove

27/10/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

27/10/2026

Black Phoebe

17/10/2026

American Crow

27/10/2026

Common Raven

27/10/2026

Pygmy Nuthatch

47/10/2026

Lesser Goldfinch

27/10/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

47/10/2026

California Towhee

27/10/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

17/10/2026

European Starling

157/7/2026

House Sparrow

77/7/2026

House Finch

67/7/2026

Savannah Sparrow

27/7/2026

Brewer's Blackbird

147/7/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Check rocky shorelines and jetties at low tide for shorebirds.

  2. 2

    Scan offshore waters with a spotting scope for seabirds and waterfowl.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Blufftop Coastal Park and Poplar Beach for birding?
The best months to visit Blufftop Coastal Park and Poplar Beach for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Blufftop Coastal Park and Poplar Beach?
Notable species at Blufftop Coastal Park and Poplar Beach include Surf Scoter, Brown Pelican, Red-shouldered Hawk, American Crow, White-crowned Sparrow. The area supports coastal, urban park habitats.
How difficult is birding at Blufftop Coastal Park and Poplar Beach?
Birding at Blufftop Coastal Park and Poplar Beach is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Blufftop Coastal Park and Poplar Beach?
Blufftop Coastal Park and Poplar Beach offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails.