Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve

California · Southwest

ModerateOfficial Site View on eBird Directions

Habitat

DesertChaparral

Best Seasons

Fall Winter Spring

Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

October-May

Entrance Fee

Free

Hours

Open daily, sunrise to sunset

About This Location

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is a productive birding destination in California, with 299 species recorded on eBird. This desert and chaparral habitat attracts Brant, Northern Shoveler, and American Wigeon among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

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Notable Species

Brant Northern Shoveler American Wigeon Green-winged Teal Lesser Scaup Mourning Dove Anna's Hummingbird Allen's Hummingbird Swinhoe's White-eye Northern Mockingbird House Finch Yellow-rumped Warbler

Live Bird Data

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

4/18/2026Mile Square Regional Park, Fountain Valley1 observed

Little Blue Heron

Egretta caerulea

4/18/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve 18000 Pacific Coast Highway, Huntington Beach, California, US (33.696, -118.046)1 observed

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

4/18/2026Santa Ana River Trail, Orange US-CA 33.84427, -117.851951 observed

Olive-sided Flycatcher

Contopus cooperi

4/18/2026Peters Canyon Reg Park1 observed

Western Cattle-Egret

Ardea ibis

4/18/2026Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve1 observed

Black-and-white Warbler

Mniotilta varia

4/18/2026Huntington Central Park--East1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

84/19/2026

Blue-winged Teal

144/19/2026

Gadwall

24/19/2026

American Wigeon

64/19/2026

Mallard

34/19/2026

Surf Scoter

24/19/2026

Ruddy Duck

354/19/2026

Rock Pigeon

34/19/2026

Black-necked Stilt

64/19/2026

Killdeer

44/19/2026

Semipalmated Plover

224/19/2026

Hudsonian Whimbrel

44/19/2026

Long-billed Curlew

14/19/2026

Marbled Godwit

104/19/2026

Willet

54/19/2026

Greater Yellowlegs

14/19/2026

Least Sandpiper

24/19/2026

Western Sandpiper

1254/19/2026

Least Tern

44/19/2026

Caspian Tern

24/19/2026

Birding Tips

1
Start birding at dawn when desert birds are most active before the heat.
2
Check around water sources, which concentrate desert species.
3
Carry extra water and sun protection; mornings are the prime birding window.
4
Check eBird hotspot data before visiting to see recent sightings and what species are being reported.
5
Bring quality optics — a good pair of binoculars (8x42 or 10x42) makes all the difference in species identification.

Amenities

Parking

Trails

Nearby Attractions

Bolsa Chica State Beach
Huntington Beach
Upper Newport Bay

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California Birding Guide

Complete guide to birding in California →

Birding Guides

Fall Bird Migration Guide

10 min read

How to Attract Hummingbirds

10 min read

Understanding Bird Migration

12 min read

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 October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.

What birds can I see at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve?▼

Notable species at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve include Brant, Northern Shoveler, American Wigeon, Green-winged Teal, Lesser Scaup, Mourning Dove, Anna's Hummingbird, Allen's Hummingbird, Swinhoe's White-eye, Northern Mockingbird, House Finch, Yellow-rumped Warbler. The area supports desert, chaparral habitats.

How difficult is birding at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve?▼

Birding at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.

Is there an entrance fee at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve?▼

There is no entrance fee at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve. Hours: Open daily, sunrise to sunset.

What amenities are available at Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve?▼

Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.