Border Field State Park & Goat Canyon

California · Southwest

Habitat
CanyonGrassland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Easy

Best Months

October-May

About This Location

Border Field State Park & Goat Canyon is a productive birding destination in California, with 257 species recorded on eBird. This canyon and grassland habitat attracts White-throated Swift, Anna's Hummingbird, and Allen's Hummingbird among many others. The unique desert and riparian habitats support specialty species alongside wintering and migrating birds.

Location

Loading map...

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

American Bittern

Botaurus lentiginosus

3/6/2026Liberty Station, San Diego US-CA 32.74034, -117.211801 observed

Hepatic Tanager

Piranga flava

3/6/2026Wing St. Canyon1 observed

Lawrence's Goldfinch

Spinus lawrencei

3/6/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)1 observed

Common Ground Dove

Columbina passerina

3/6/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)2 observed

Tropical Kingbird

Tyrannus melancholicus

3/6/2026Tijuana River Valley--Sunset Ave east of Hollister1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

3/6/2026Vacation Isle1 observed

White-throated Sparrow

Zonotrichia albicollis

3/6/2026Tijuana River Valley--Bird & Butterfly Garden (Myers Ranch)1 observed

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Pheucticus ludovicianus

3/6/2026San Diego—East Balboa Park Golf Course1 observed

Nashville Warbler

Leiothlypis ruficapilla

3/6/2026Wing St. Canyon1 observed

Tennessee Warbler

Leiothlypis peregrina

3/6/2026Home 2909 Brant St1 observed

Black Scoter

Melanitta americana

3/6/2026Chula Vista Bayfront Park (J St.)2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

White-throated Swift

13/1/2026

Anna's Hummingbird

13/1/2026

Allen's Hummingbird

23/1/2026

White-tailed Kite

23/1/2026

Northern Harrier

13/1/2026

Red-shouldered Hawk

13/1/2026

Black Phoebe

13/1/2026

Say's Phoebe

3/1/2026

Tree Swallow

3/1/2026

Wrentit

3/1/2026

Northern House Wren

3/1/2026

Bewick's Wren

13/1/2026

California Thrasher

13/1/2026

Northern Mockingbird

3/1/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

23/1/2026

White-crowned Sparrow

13/1/2026

Song Sparrow

3/1/2026

California Towhee

3/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

13/1/2026

Orange-crowned Warbler

23/1/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Listen for echoing calls of Canyon Wren and other canyon specialties.

  2. 2

    Check rocky ledges and cliff faces for nesting raptors.

  3. 3

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

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Border Field State Park & Goat Canyon for birding?
The best months to visit Border Field State Park & Goat Canyon for birding are October-May. The best seasons are Fall and Winter and Spring.
What birds can I see at Border Field State Park & Goat Canyon?
Notable species at Border Field State Park & Goat Canyon include White-throated Swift, Anna's Hummingbird, Allen's Hummingbird, White-tailed Kite, Northern Harrier. The area supports canyon, grassland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Border Field State Park & Goat Canyon?
Birding at Border Field State Park & Goat Canyon is rated as Easy. The trails and viewing areas are accessible for birders of all experience levels.
What amenities are available at Border Field State Park & Goat Canyon?
Border Field State Park & Goat Canyon offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Visitor Center.