Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve
California · Southwest
Moderate
October-May
Free
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
Live Bird Data
Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Notable Sightings
Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days
Yellow-crowned Night Heron
Nyctanassa violacea
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
Polioptila caerulea
Western x Clark's Grebe (hybrid)
Aechmophorus occidentalis x clarkii
Western Warbling Vireo
Vireo swainsoni
Cackling Goose
Branta hutchinsii
Neotropic Cormorant
Nannopterum brasilianum
Red Knot
Calidris canutus
American Wigeon
Mareca americana
Brown Pelican
Pelecanus occidentalis
Mitred Parakeet
Psittacara mitratus
Glossy x White-faced Ibis (hybrid)
Plegadis falcinellus x chihi
Wilson's Warbler
Cardellina pusilla
Recent Observations
Species reported at this location in the last 14 days
Mallard
Surf Scoter
Rock Pigeon
Black-necked Stilt
Black-bellied Plover
Killdeer
Long-billed Curlew
Marbled Godwit
Willet
Greater Yellowlegs
Western Gull
Least Tern
Caspian Tern
Forster's Tern
Elegant Tern
Western Grebe
Double-crested Cormorant
Reddish Egret
Snowy Egret
Great Blue Heron
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
Nearby Attractions
- Bolsa Chica State Beach
- Huntington Beach
- Upper Newport Bay
More in California
California Birding Guide
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