Coastal wetland and shorebirds at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

California · Southwest

Habitat
WetlandCoastalMarsh
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

August-March

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Dawn to dusk daily

About This Location

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve in Huntington Beach is one of the most important coastal wetlands remaining in Southern California, with over 321 bird species recorded. This 1,449-acre reserve of restored tidal salt marsh, mudflats, and open water channels provides crucial habitat for resident and migratory waterbirds along the Pacific Flyway.

The 1.5-mile loop trail and elevated boardwalk offer superb eye-level views of nesting Elegant Terns and endangered California Least Terns on the nesting islands, while Clapper Rails and Belding's Savannah Sparrows skulk in the pickleweed marsh. During fall migration, the mudflats teem with thousands of shorebirds including Western Sandpipers, Marbled Godwits, and Long-billed Curlews.

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

Northern Cardinal

Cardinalis cardinalis

6/19/2026LM1 observed

Red-whiskered Bulbul

Pycnonotus jocosus

6/18/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve1 observed

American Wigeon

Mareca americana

6/18/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve1 observed

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

Polioptila caerulea

6/18/2026UCI Ecological Preserve-MeadowPark1 observed

Yellow-headed Amazon

Amazona oratrix

6/18/2026Mile Square Regional Park, Fountain Valley1 observed

Northern Fulmar

Fulmarus glacialis

6/18/2026Seal Beach Pier1 observed

Yellow-crowned Night Heron

Nyctanassa violacea

6/17/2026Alamitos Bay Mole2 observed

Western x Clark's Grebe (hybrid)

Aechmophorus occidentalis x clarkii

6/17/2026IRWD San Joaquin Marsh & Wildlife Sanctuary2 observed

Western Warbling Vireo

Vireo swainsoni

6/17/2026Bartlett Park, Huntington Beach1 observed

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

6/16/2026Mile Square Regional Park, Fountain Valley1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

6/16/2026Santa Ana River Trail, Orange US-CA 33.83924, -117.859261 observed

Red Knot

Calidris canutus

6/16/2026Bolsa Chica--full tidal area1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Mallard

66/18/2026

Mourning Dove

16/18/2026

Western Gull

56/18/2026

Rock Pigeon

16/18/2026

Least Tern

36/18/2026

Great Blue Heron

16/18/2026

Cassin's Kingbird

16/18/2026

Swinhoe's White-eye

16/18/2026

House Sparrow

46/18/2026

Surf Scoter

16/18/2026

Ruddy Duck

16/18/2026

Black-bellied Plover

26/18/2026

Killdeer

26/18/2026

Long-billed Curlew

46/18/2026

Willet

56/18/2026

Caspian Tern

16/18/2026

Forster's Tern

36/18/2026

Western Grebe

36/18/2026

Double-crested Cormorant

126/18/2026

Reddish Egret

26/18/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Walk the loop trail clockwise for the best morning light on the inner bay

  2. 2

    Visit during low tide for maximum shorebird diversity on the exposed mudflats

  3. 3

    The footbridge area is excellent for viewing nesting terns and skimmers in summer

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve for birding?
The best months to visit Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve for birding are August-March. The best seasons are Fall and Winter.
What birds can I see at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve?
Notable species at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve include Elegant Tern, California Least Tern, Ridgway's Rail, Belding's Savannah Sparrow, Long-billed Curlew, Black Skimmer. The area supports wetland, coastal, marsh habitats.
How difficult is birding at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve?
Birding at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
Is there an entrance fee at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve?
There is no entrance fee at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. Hours: Dawn to dusk daily.
What amenities are available at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve?
Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Interpretive Displays.